James Hutchens
James Russell Hutchens, 85, passed away at his home Oct. 20, 2004, after a long struggle with cancer. His wife of 63 years was at his side.
He was born Aug. 25, 1919, at his grandparent's home south of Kalispell to John L. and Alice Jackman Hutchens. The family lived on a homestead in Star Meadows until shortly after his birth, when they moved to Lower Flathead Valley. When he was six years old, they moved to One Valley Ranch near Whitefish, where he spent most of his life. He received his education at Bissell Elementary and Flathead High Schools. He worked in the woods for several years.
In 1941, he married Myrtle Kramer in Eureka. Their marriage was blessed with four daughters and two sons. During World War II, he worked on construction of the Naval Training Station in North Idaho. He returned to Whitefish, where he ran a small dairy farm. Beginning in 1947, he, his brother Jack and Virgil Kilmer owned and operated a saw mill cutting lumber and railroad ties. In 1951, they closed the mill and he went to work for the U.S. Forest Service, where he worked for the next 20 years. He then operated a short-horn cattle ranch and drove school buses for about 30 years.
He was a member of the first planning board in Flathead County for several years. He was trustee for the Olney-Bissell School District for 27 years and was on the board of directors for Lincoln Electric Co-op for 14 years. He was an active member of Stillwater Free Lutheran Church for many years until the time of his death.
He was a lover of nature, especially the hummingbirds at his home, and recording the sighting of the first redwing blackbird at One Valley each spring. Making his special recipe pancakes and gouch candy for his family was one of his favorite things to do. His most enjoyable times were when the entire family was together.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Emily Sue Hutchens and Hester Clothier; two brothers, Jack Hutchens and Howard Hutchens; grandson Paul Jones; and son-in-law Arden Olsen.
He is survived by his wife Myrtle; daughters Lauretta Olsen, of Kalispell, Susan Iverson and husband Robert, of Whitefish, Mary Jones and husband Tom, of Gresham, Oregon, and Sally Christensen and husband Keith, of Whitefish; and sons John, of Whitefish, and Bill and wife Donna, of Fairbanks, Alaska; 16 grandchildren; and 26 great grandchildren.
A memorial service was held Oct. 25, 2004, at the Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish, Montana.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Stillwater Free Lutheran Church, 1401 Church Drive, Kalispell MT 59901; or Home Options Hospice, 175 Commons Loop #100, Kalispell MT 59901.