James Russell Hutchens
James Russell Hutchens, 85, passed away at his home on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004 after a long struggle with cancer. His wife of 63 years was at his side.
He was born on Aug. 25, 1919 at his grandparent's home south of Kalispell to John L and Alice Jackman Hutchens. The family moved from Star Meadows shortly after his birth to Lower Flathead Valley. When he was six they moved to One Valley Ranch near Whitefish. 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 US Forest Service where he worked for the next 20 years. He then operated a shorthorn 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 on the Board of Directors for Lincoln Electric Coop 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 humming birds at his home, and recording the sighting of the first redwing blackbird at One Valley each spring. Making his special recipe pancakes and 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, Ore.; Sally Christensen and husband Keith of Whitefish; and his two sons John of Whitefish and Bill and wife Donna of Fairbanks, Alaska; 16 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.
A memorial service was held on Monday, Oct. 25 at the Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to the Stillwater Free Lutheran Church, 1401 Church Drive, Kalispell, MT; or Home Options Hospice, 175 Commons Loop #100, Kalispell, MT.