In Memory of Jim Hutchins
November 17, 1935-February 24, 2024
This memorial book has been lovingly compiled by the Hutchins family. We are deeply touched by the beautiful memories.
It would have been impossible to request a submission from all of Jim’s connections, or to provide enough time for everyone to collect their thoughts.
Happily, this book will become a “living memorial” to Jim at oregonstewardship.org.
If you are inspired to share, please email your remembrance to os2703@charter.net with the subject line “Remembering Jim”. Make sure to include how you would like the message signed. Understand that your submission will be published at oregonstewardship.org.
One of Jim’s favorite memories….
Swimming with Salmon
September 19, 2013
Heading home following my 3-day trip working with coastal kiddos, I stopped one last time for a dip in the South Umpqua, just upriver from Roseburg Lumber. During summer visits I had seen bass, mostly small, rolling for flies.
After pushing off the huge rock, to my amazement, I saw a huge fish roll. Wow, that’s not a bass. It’s a Chinook salmon. Lots of salmon rolling 8 to 10 feet from me as I paddled around. Salmon were rolling upstream and downstream.
I swam with salmon.
Up on the huge rock as I left, I could see 10 or 12 pods of fish, 6 or 10 per pod. I counted 9 in one pod that passed by 10 feet away. Circling, rolling, and dancing, waiting for the rain.
I swam with salmon. ~Jim Hutchins
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In Memory of Jim Hutchins By Rich Rosenthal, Director of Medford Parks and Recreation
Hutch was a man of many rituals, and one of them was his insistence on meeting with the Parks and Recreation Director – me and only me – on a monthly basis, and specifically on a Wednesday morning, sometimes 9, sometimes 9:30. Because, after all, Jim was a monumentally busy octogenarian on a tight schedule! And he’d dutifully type a meeting agenda, although it was pretty much the same stuff each month.
I’ll miss these meetings not only because of the importance of Jim’s work in the overall framework to what the City of Medford wants to accomplish in our park system and in riparian areas, but because meeting with Jim was a kaleidoscope of an experience. Except for him showing up, generally seven minutes early, you never knew what direction the discussion would go.
There was always the no-nonsense Man-on-a-Mission flavor of Hutch’s personality. Interrupt or disrupt his section of the agenda at your own peril!
And there was the Bob Hope Hutch – when the conversation would veer into comedy hour, verbally jousting and teasing, and joke telling. And the referencing and repetition of good-natured teasing from previous meetings, some from the distant past. Lots of laughs!
There was the Guru Hutch – the portion of the meeting where he’d drop some pretty deep philosophical stuff on you. Upon conclusion of the very serious point, he’d give you the paternal serious look to make sure 1. You were listening closely, and 2. Understood his point, whatever it was. Sometimes I’d push back on his pearl of wisdom with a witty comment, and sometimes he would be amused by that comment. I enjoyed trying to throw him off his game!
There was Panther Hutch – the avid South Medford High sports fan, who would recap the Panther football, basketball and baseball team accomplishments, and retell stories about his interactions with the various head coaches. “Cut-the-Red-Tape” Hutch would frequently show up to the meeting, bemoaning government bureaucracy and more specifically conflicting processes and procedures of regulatory agencies. And at the top of the list were the Medford parking lot rules enforcement officers, who had the audacity of ticketing Jim’s illegally parked white pickup truck while he was working along the creek. He never, ever forgot the audacity of being fined for doing a good deed.
I saw the “Don’t Mess With Me” Hutch a lot in which he’d talk about unnerving encounters with challenged people he encountered along the Greenway who threw rocks, shoes, and branches at him. Jim had a lot of compassion for them but definitely not for the speeding cyclists along the Greenway. What angered Jim the most was when he was startled and/or sideswiped by thoughtless bike riders along the Greenway. “Can’t you ticket these people?,” he’d fume. And he didn’t like my response, “Sorry but PD isn’t going to set up a speed trap for bikes on the
Greenway, Hutch.”
Along these lines was the “Stop Ruining My Life” Hutch. This was when local government staff made mistakes like accidentally mowing his young plantings, not acknowledging him when passing by, or by taking too long to respond to a particular service request, which he took as being “blown off”. He would sometimes bluster for a few minutes, get it out of his system, accept the apology or explanation, then his mood would become sunny again. After all, he was a City Councilor in Lynwood, Wash. He understood how city government worked.
And finally, what most people knew and heard from Hutch was the ultimate Environmental Steward, the kind-hearted tireless advocate for riparian restoration and management under his watch, especially how it related to teaching and helping the high-school and SOU students he mentored. And the pride he took in the accomplishments and efforts of these students, current and past. There’s no question this is Jim’s greatest legacy, among many.
Jim is gone but I refuse to let the monthly meetings go. I kept the recurring meeting notices on my electronic calendar as a way to honor him and to remember one of the greatest people I’ve met. It’ll just be a shorter meeting until the next time we meet.
Another time, Hutch!
From your City pal, Rich Rosenthal
Jim’s nephew Tedd give us a description of Jim as a young man.
I have sent two photos of my Uncle Jimmy along with Grandpa Hutchins and my Mom. These were taken at the Angle Lake home in what’s now called SeaTac, Washington and was formerly a Seattle address in unincorporated King County during that time period. The house is behind them in these pictures, as they all face the lake, and in fact are standing on Angle Lake as once upon a time the lake would freeze with ice at least 1-foot thick and as much as 2-feet thick in the winter. Ice skating was a popular activity and Jimmy, Wesley, Arthur, and my mom were all accomplished ice skaters. I inherited Jimmy’s ice hockey skates that were stored away at the Angle Lake house, and I eventually used them on the Lake and also at the Lake we lived on at Twin Lakes Golf & Country Club in Federal Way, WA. Those were fun times filled with very fond memories as Uncle Jimmy and the family would visit a few weekends each month and/or we would visit at his home in Lynnwood, WA.
Please find below my fondest remembrances of Uncle Jimmy:
My fondest remembrances of my late Uncle Jim all took place from when I was just a child up thru the age of 14 years in 1971. Our family was still relatively close before the time when relationships changed and families were broken apart by dissolution of marriage and people moving and just plain life.
I remember while living at Angle Lake and also at the old Anderson house when Jimmy would take me for walks and we would go fishing or check the traps he set for muskrats and other animals. I remember when we were visiting his Lynnwood home and he took me downstairs and showed me his traps and how they worked and his large collection of pelts from that seasons trappings. He told me how he tanned the hides so that the fur remained intact on the tanned hide. Jimmy was the person who taught me how to tie a fishhook and a fishing lure and how to catch a fish and clean the fish and how to cook the fish. Jimmy was an avid outdoorsman and loved all creatures, including those he trapped and caught or harvested for food. I learned a lot about the outdoors from my Uncle Jim during those days.
When I was 12 years old in 1969, I was already a big fan of rock-n-roll music and the blues, as opposed to the modern pop music. Album Rock was just coming into its own and getting a lot of airplay on AM Station KOL, and FM Radio was in its infancy with KISW and KZOK playing album rock exclusively. My favorite Band during this time and one of my favorites still to this day as I write these words, is Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) and that was also Uncle Jims favorite Band at the time. Uncle Jimmy had to beg my Mom to allow me to attend the CCR concert at the Seattle Center Arena. On Saturday, July 12, 1969 Jimmy took my cousins and me to see the concert and this one act of kindness by my Uncle Jimmy is the standout memory of him for me, especially since my own mother and his own sister was suffocatingly strict and overly protective, but Jimmy was able to get her to agree. Mike said “I bet your mom’s got an Excedrin Headache right about now” as we entered the arena. It was funny because there was a funny Excedrin TV commercial that was popular, and Mike was good at making sarcastic jokes back then about everything. The concert opened with Tony Joe White who had a hit song on the Charts called “Polk Salad Annie” and another song I liked even more called “Hoochie Woman” that was lessor known. Tony Joe really set the mood for what followed with CCR taking the stage and playing their music practically album perfect. That was an accomplishment that most bands can’t even duplicate to this day except a few select bands, and no pop bands whatsoever. I remember Mike, Mark, and I think John was there and Julie too, and we were all laughing and giggling about all the marijuana smoke and other intoxicants that were clearly visible to our young impressionable eyes and senses. Mike was cracking me up with his usual humor and Uncle Jimmy had his hands full keeping us in check as we were all supposed to be on our best behavior. That was my first of many Concerts I’ve attended over the decades and I will always cherish the fond memories I have of 1969, because of my Uncle Jimmy taking me to my very first Rock Concert. It was so awesome thanks to Uncle Jim!
About 2 years later in 1971, after I turned 14, we had moved from the Country Club lifestyle at Twin Lakes in Federal Way to the tiny little cow-pie town of Colfax, WA that was the County seat for Whitman County with a whopping population of 1650 in 1971, mostly cattle and rednecks. I hated it! As a result I ran away from Colfax and my overbearing ultra strict parents, twice within the first 90-days. I know my Mom asked Jimmy if he would come to Colfax and try and “get through to me” and so we spent an entire day and evening together. Jimmy took me pheasant hunting alongside the Palouse River just outside of town. This was my first experience hunting anything beyond frogs. Jimmy taught me how to hunt pheasant that day and how to operate and handle and shoot a 12 gauge shotgun. That was also my first experience with a firearm. Jimmy taught me firearms safety and talked with me about firearms responsibility, it’s stuck with me all these years later. I’m grateful for the time he took to spend with me, even though I had this funny feeling I might get accidentally shot by a 12 gauge that day…lol.
As the years passed and our lives grew apart and life got in the way of family and friendships and relationships, I’ve never forgotten the kindness that Uncle Jim gave to me nor the lessons in life that he taught me. He has given me much to remember during a brief time during the formative years early in my life that’ll remain with me along with his memory till my end of days, may Uncle Jim rest in peace.
Regarding the Creedence Clearwater Revival concert, I’ve sent a photo of an actual promotional poster for that concert we attended back in 1969. There’s a very good concert from their European tour during the same time, and it’s more of a documentary but with lots of actual footage and the sounds decent and it’s obvious just how talented the guys were as they sounded almost album perfect and stayed true to their sound and music, unlike these no talent so-called artist today that rely on lip sync and overdubbed instruments while they pretend to sing and play whatever.
One last story:
As a kid I used to have a nickname for my Uncle Arthur and Uncle Jimmy whenever I’d see them together at family get togethers,, and I always had a laugh inside about it because they really did remind me of Laurel and Hardy, especially because Arthur was a big strong ox of a man and because Jimmy was a tall lanky man, just like them two comedians. I always kept that to myself until now.
They were both funny when they were together and when they teased my mom. Both of them were very good to my younger brother and I, and that’s what’s important to a kid because we remember those who are kind and good.
Respectfully,
Tedd Branstetter, Nephew of Jim Hutchins
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In Loving Memory of my Father, Jim Hutchins
Living the Dream on Jamberry Farm in the Rogue River Valley
From his son, Mark Hutchins
The cool morning dew renews the day in the valley, deer meander in the field keeping a close eye on their fawn.
A countryside run through historic downtown Jacksonville past breathtaking vineyards, Victorian homes and B&Bs that have stood the test of time.
A sunrise visit bringing fresh garden cut flowers to Pony Espresso to enjoy coffee, breakfast burritos and conversation with good friends — if only time stood still.
Taking in the beauty of the abundant gardens of vegetables and spring flowers thoughtfully tended to throughout the seasons. Sunflowers swaying, reaching for the skies.
Alpacas roam freely through the fields admired by curious children and guarded by the dog, Cody, with reason.
A guided tour through the majestic Rogue River, very tranquil and still — the fly fishing is great, but the catching is not. Wishing this day would never end.
Wine tasting at family style local vineyards, enjoying Oregon Pinot Noir, set amongst beautiful gardens and vistas, who could ask for more?
Farmers Market, taking in all the senses of endless displays of plants, flowers, and locally grown treasures.
Water coloring leaves with a rainbow of colors producing masterpieces to cherish.
A memorable dinner in a historic B&B Victorian home in Jacksonville, enjoying fine wine, food, and family.
Admiring the beauty and stillness of the forest, looking for signs of Salmon soaring upstream, a true miracle is happening in Bear Creek.
Amazing sunrises and sunsets, meandering mountains and fields, sunny days drifting on the river.
We were living the dream on Jamberry Farm in the Rogue River Valley…. Mark Hutchins
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From his son, JP Hutchins
My mother and father instilled a sense of magic and possibility throughout my childhood—let me give an example.
When I was 4 years old, I loved the picture book “Whale in the Sky” by Anne Siberell. The folktale was originally depicted in Northwest Native American tree carvings, so, naturally, my father contracted a wood carver friend, George Deforest, to recreate the totem pole from the book for our garden at Jamberry Farm.
Meanwhile, my mother contacted the author and invited her to attend a dedication where the totem pole would be installed.
And so, there I was. The totem pole from the story had come to life. The author from my favorite book gave a speech.
For me, it was normal.
I’d like to share with you, dear friend of Jim Hutchins, that Jim Hutchins was normal. (I wish you could ask him!) He took pride in his abilities, but only in the same way he was proud of his friends: the businessperson, the poet, the painter, the musician, the hunter, the organizer, the preacher, the worker, the teacher, the fishing guide, the farmer — everyone.
So, I will tell you my father’s secret: he worked hard. More than you thought. He would sit at the table, carefully planning—perhaps bringing a folktale to life or even fostering agreement among a logging company, a hunter’s association, environmentalists, and county politicians—and then enlist his connections (friends) and share his time to do it. And he would get tired, frustrated, he would fail and get angry, he would be impossibly sad, filled to the brim with grief and regret, burdened by guilt and fear, but he would keep working until his last days.
As I got older, the sense of magic and possibility faded. I feel the weight of hopelessness in the face of incomprehensibly complex problems. But that’s wrong. Jim Hutchins would brag to his friends about your accomplishments! Hard work reveals that the problems aren’t so complex, that we don’t really disagree, that we do have the time, the money, the people, everything.
So I’m thankful that I ended up normal like my dad—stubborn, and unyielding in the face of challenges, and a little annoying.
Dad, I am so proud of you and everything you accomplished together with my mom and your friends. With eternal love, JP
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From his grandson, Noah Zermeno
My Grandpa Jim was truly one-of-a-kind. He was beloved by so many – even the salmon seemed to like him. How could you not smile and laugh in his presence? I cherished our time together, relishing his bright smile and sharp mind. His dedication to fishing, teaching, and preserving the environment has always inspired me.
He didn’t care about money or material things – and neither do I. Yet, his generosity knew no bounds. Among my grandparents, he was the only one who actively sought to be a part of my life, for which I’ll forever be grateful. Before I left for Medford to say my goodbyes, my 4 year old son told me to bring him his “blankie so grandpa stays warm.”
I remember fondly on a fishing charter he had booked for us on the Rogue River when I finished my sandwich for lunch…and I was still hungry. “Boy, you are hungry! Here, take my sandwich.” He gave me his food and laughed at my insatiable appetite. He was kind like that.
His passing taught me that life is short, and the only thing that matters is relationships. Relationships with family, connections with friends, and being one with Mother Earth define our existence. I don’t think my grandpa wasted a day on this Earth.
March 5th, my birthday, became a bleak reminder of his absence. Every year, he would call to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ – forever etched in my memory. When I confided in my mother, she honored his tradition by serenading me over the phone. She sang it just like he did. We both cried, a testament to the deep void his absence has left. He will forever hold a special place in my heart. Miss and love you, Grandpa. Say hi to Mike and John for me. I’ll be seeing you.
Noah Zermeno
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BIG WADERS TO FILL
Dear Jim,
Your deep water-colored eyes
Brim with emotion
Reminiscing the past
Protecting the future
Loving every minute of life
Every fish counted
Every seed, every tree planted
In the ground
In a young mind
Cultivated fruitfully
Over time
You have taught us to pay attention
Test the waters
Jump in
Feel the winds changing
See the tides turning
Don’t get pulled down
Hold on and make waves
Remain grounded in truth
Notice:
The righteous evergreens reaching
The hearty hazelnuts hiding
The salmon spawning
Fish climbing ladders
Bullfrogs, tadpoles
Hornets’ nests and birds galore
Every day is an adventure
You have shown so many
The Power of Being
Stewards of our Land
Caretakers you’ve inspired
It’s our charge
Sparked by you
Your ripple effect leaves
Big waders to fill.
Jaime Kinstler (Szijjarto)
From Coquille Oregon
I served as the principal of Coquille High School for ten years and worked with Jim during that time. Jim helped me learn how to slow down and work on real human connections. When he visited the school I would stop anything I was doing and give him my full attention. He taught us that real attention, listening and genuine communication are the important things in a day and what allows us to connect to each other. I will miss him.
Jeff Philley
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Jim, formerly known as Hutch
One of the assumptions I’ve harbored for decades is that Jim would keep going strong into his nineties for sure and quite possibly well into his hundreds. We call him the Energizer Bunny, A Force of Nature. It’s hard to wrap my mind around the idea that we can’t see him, that he doesn’t have a physical arm around Carla or isn’t adding background comments when Carla and I talk on the phone. Because Jim is a present tense guy.
When I first met him, I didn’t trust him. He once told me that, as a salesman, he would promise customers anything and then make sure it happened. It sounded a bit fishy. How could he promise everything in every situation? What was my friend Carla getting into?
Jim decided to go into landscaping. What? As far as I knew, he didn’t actually know anything about it. But he started his own landscaping business, which grew as he lived right into it.
In 1985, Normal Heights had what was then the worst brush fire in San Diego history. It destroyed 76 homes and damaged many others. The day after the fire was extinguished, Jim appeared with plants he then put into the ground for his affected customers so they would have some beauty around them in the midst of the devastation.
And I think everyone knows the rest of what he and Carla put into present tense, like Oregon Stewardship. His example shows me how I can act to manifest a healthier future. I’m, hopefully, a better person for knowing him. My heart is happier knowing how much he loves Carla, his family, his people, salmon, habitat—so much.
And I’m realizing how much he teaches me about God. God is the Great I Am, in present tense. We are made in God’s image, and God is love. Jim helps me connect those beliefs in new ways—like why we say “I do” instead of “I will.” And if God is love, if we are God’s image, and if God is eternal, love is eternal, then the love we receive, add to, pass on is eternal.
So even though we won’t see Jim here (although, with Jim, who can be sure?) I have to talk about him in the present tense. Hey, Jim’s a force of nature and a force of God, man! I pray that all of us who love Jim find peace in knowing that Jim’s ripples and love continue within us and continue to spread.
And I’ll play my internal movie of Jim’s expressions of incredulity when he tells some of his stories, his grin, his relentless energy, commitment and kindness, and the touch of pride in his voice when speaks about his kids or says, “My bride.”
Love, Cindy
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I loved Jim for his expansive acceptance and inclusion of everyone, including me and my three sons, now age 46, 41, and 38. He was always interested in my boys, Matt, Andy, and Evan, what they were doing and how they were doing. He took them fishing, and likely shared his knowledge of salmon and life with them. He was the most enthusiastic promoter of my flower book.
He lived his faith daily by his kindness, his writing, his reading, his art, and his stewardship of nature, mentoring and encouraging young people, and his ever willingness to help. He touched many lives in his long life. I will miss him.
Love, Susan MacKinnon
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I’ve been reflecting on Jim’s mentorship when I was younger, especially those days spent along the Applegate River in Southern Oregon. I have a fond reminiscence of our time together on the river, especially as I fish new rivers here in southern British Columbia. I’m grateful for the valuable lessons that Jim imparted upon me during those trips. His mentorship extended far beyond simply teaching me how to fish. He instilled in me a deep respect for nature and appreciation for life. His wisdom and patience helped shape my love for fishing but also my character and perspective on the world.
I want him to know that his legacy will live on through the people he has influenced. He really made a profound difference in my life, and I am thankful for his mentorship.
Kind Regards, Matt MacKinnon
Many students at Curry, Coos and Jackson County schools participated in his program teaching stewardship through activities focused on natural resource conservation. Working with local kids gave our younger generation a clear direction and the values needed to maintain our beautiful Oregon for future generations. His program, Oregon Stewardship, with help from students, planted hundreds of trees, helped build
and maintain the Elephant Bar trail and many other hands-on projects that students and teachers enjoyed. Do you remember Jim and his positive personality?
John and Deb Wilson
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I first met Jim when I was a young student at Ophir Elementary School. I remember him coming in to facilitate outdoor education and art activities in our classroom. Later, when I became a teacher at Riley Creek, he came in every year to take my students on hikes along the Elephant Bar Trail that he built with his group of high school students from Gold Beach High School. He was a master at educating my students about the animal and plant life along the trail. He used storytelling to capture their attention and teach them information about the ecosystem. After the hike he would plan follow-up descriptive writing, art and poetry lessons in the classroom that tied in with what the students experienced on the trail. The students adored him and were always excited when Mr. Hutchins stopped by.
One thing that Jim always emphasized with my students is how important a written note is. He would encourage them to write notes to the people they cared about or were thinking of. Especially when it was time to thank someone. So here is my thank you note to Jim:
Dear Jim, Thank you for your years of service to our students. Your love for the outdoors, art and poetry was evident and touched countless lives. I will always appreciate your kindness and support. May your memory always be present in the sights, sounds and touch of nature. Rest in peace Jim!
Brianna McGinnis
Dear Carla and Family –
I remember when I was working at South Medford Jim stopped by my office and shared with me how amazing our students were and how much he enjoyed working with him.
I am grateful that he took the time to teach them about our environment. He was an amazing mentor.
When my father passed away in 2007, I was deeply saddened, but knew that he was no longer in pain and was worshiping in Heaven. The song by Mercy Me “I can only imagine” has always been special to me and I knew that my father no longer had to imagine what it would be walking by His side. I know that this is the same for Jim, he was a great man of faith!
Though he is no longer here with us on the earth, celebrate his new life in Heaven
With Sympathy and Celebration, Tim and Lynn Rupp, Members of Ascension Lutheran Church.
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Coquille River
Hutch loved to fish! In the mid 1990’s we were steelhead fishing on the South Fork Coquille River. One of the few times Mel Sherbourne let me go fishing with Hutch :)! This was the best steelhead fishing day I’ve ever experienced! Although Hutch was hooking fish as well, I hooked a nice one,
and before Hutch had a chance to argue, the rods were switched. After landing a nice buck, Hutch admitted, it was the biggest steelhead he had ever caught! Whenever we were fishing together, I never let him forget that the biggest steelhead he ever caught was the rod handed to him.
Habitat
Hutch has been responsible for more improved stream side habitat projects and trail systems than anyone else I know. His Bear Creek project, is by itself, a legacy! And how many high school student lives has he changed with their involvement in Oregon Stewardship? That statistic will continue on forever.
John Thiebes. ODFW, retired
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Julianna, my step daughter, worked on the trails with Hutch through her high school years. That was at least 20 years ago. One day I was invited to join them on a trip to the
Illinois river. Once we got there, I learned that we were
going to jump off a large rock into the river. I did it and…
it was very cold! This is how I first met Jim.
Over the years that followed, Jim, Terry, Charley and I would meet at the Pony Expresso Coffee shop in J’ville most mornings around 7:30 AM. You would always get harassed if you were late. Jim was very popular with the staff and they would bring his coffee to the table, while the rest of us had to go to the counter for ours. We mostly talked about football and sometimes about politics too. We always said that we had the answers but no one was listening. Jim would tell us about his trips to the coast and the kids he worked with. We were always amazed at what he did for those kids and what a major influence he was in their lives. One time when one of the kids needed a car to get to work and school. Hutch reached out to some of Oregon Stewardship’s supporters to donate money for the young man to buy a car. Wow!! What a guy.
I will always remember Hutch for his great passion and commitment to the rivers and kids. I, and so many others are grateful to have known him and will miss him a great deal.
Rod McLeod
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Jim is his smile. It would light up a room and say Hello without any words. I will never forget his dedication to conservation and his work along Bear Creek. He made his mark and will be remembered by me and many more.
Lem Wilbur
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Jim Hutchins will always be Leader of the Elite Youth Team.
His life and energy qualify him as part of the .005 % of humans who are Forever Super Young. Only 6% of applicants become Navy Seals, so Jim’s Super Young Qualifications make it 12 times more difficult to become part of Jim’s team.
On top of that, Jim Hutchins received more front page newspaper accolades than anyone else in the Rogue Valley. And deservedly so! Jim will always be remembered as a person who dedicated his time and energy to improving the environment and helping our youth grow into improved human beings physically, mentally, and spiritually. He did so much for so many. The Manes family was blessed to have both our kids have an opportunity to work with Jim. Nobody could keep up with him! And most lovely of all, Jim was my Mother’s last dance. At our daughter’s wedding in 2010, Jim came over to Glady, age 86, and asked her to dance. She was so delighted! I can still see the two of them – Jim, always the gentleman, and Mom, so happy to dance with the dashing Jim Hutchins. He lives on forever in our memories… And Jim, we will meet again on the other side. We want to walk the new
trails you are creating, watch you disengage from another blue heron in your fishing line, and enjoy your never-ending smile and good humor. Our hearts are with all the Hutchins family.
Love, The Manes Family
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I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Jim. I am out of town but heard about it through the Garden Club. Although
I didn’t really know Jim personally, I had heard him speak a few times, and I have long been an admirer of the incredible work that the two of you have done through the Oregon Stewardship. So many young people have been impacted by that wonderful organization, and carry on its work through their commitment to the environment. Jim truly made a difference in the world. I hope that during this time you are surrounded by the love and comfort of family and friends.
With best wishes, Sue Miler
I have known Jim Hutchins since I was 13 years old. Jim was one of my greatest friends, grandfather figure, and mentor. We worked many hours together and shared many memories. This was one of my favorites.
In the early summertime when I was no older than 14-15 years old, Jim invited me on a fishing trip to our local spot, Emigrant Lake. Jim, a Salmon/Steelhead fisherman, and myself a Bass fisherman loaded up Jim’s truck with our gear along with his small fiberglass boat and trolling motor. While out on the lake, Jim and I were having a great time laughing, sharing stories, and even helping a non-local bass fisherman in a nice bass boat to find some spots. (In exchange he gave us 2 boxes of bass lures) While we continued to fish, Jim would constantly pick on me about how hard I would “Set the Hook”. Being a bass fisherman, we set the hook with much more force and ferocity than other anglers. Jim would joke with me and say “you’re gonna rip that poor fish’s head off with one of them hook sets!” Or “why don’t you set the hook a little harder”. Both of us sat in the boat and laughed and laughed. Well, it was my turn to get him back. Prior to all the jokes, Jim had caught a small rainbow trout which we were going to keep to eat. While Jim was busy casting out his line, I pulled out my pocket knife and cut the head off of the small trout and attached it to my hook and slowly dropped it in the water. After a few seconds I said “I think I got a bite” and I set the hook as hard as I possibly could. Jim immediately snaps back and says “Dylan, you’re gonna rip that fish’s head off you crazy kid! Don’t set the hook so hard!”
I proceeded to fight my “fish head” and just before I got it to the boat I pulled really hard and the fish head shot out of the water and landed right at the base of Jim’s feet. The look on Jim’s face you might ask? Absolutely priceless. Jim was sputtering “There’s no way, There’s no way!! I told you! I told you, you crazy kid you were gonna rip that darn fish’s head off!…. That’s not possible!!” I fell back into the boat laughing so hard
I could barely speak. I looked at Jim and said “gotcha”. As I lifted up the body of Jim’s small trout with the missing head. Jim proceeded to almost drop his rod in the water and was laughing so hard he almost fell out of the boat. We both looked like a couple of goons in the middle of the lake laughing like crazy.
I will miss Jim every day and was so blessed to have spent as much time as I did with him. His memory and legacy will never be forgotten.
-Your Friend, Dylan – Mr. Baseball.
I taught elementary school with Jayne Applen from the church. We wanted to take our 2nd graders to Denman Pond area & Jayne said she knew a guy to help us. When we arrived at the park area with 75 2nd graders, we all met “Hutch” as Jayne introduced him. He was so calm and had a big smile on his face when he saw all the kids. He led groups down to the river’s edge. Lo & behold there was a dead salmon on the shore like it had just washed up. I was as amazed as the kids exclaimed how lucky we were to see it. He then whispered to me that he had planted it there that morning. With a chuckle, he then proceeded to tell the kids about the life cycle of the salmon.
Hutch was not intimidated by all the kids & came with us to Lithia Park on another field trip. He patiently walked the path with us explaining about the plants & trees. The kids just thought he was so smart & knew everything.
My husband & I walked the Bear Creek pathway many a day & would often come across Jim working with kids taking care of the park. What a legacy he has left to our valley! The Lord blessed us all with such a kind, dedicated & loyal man. May many wonderful memories give you warm comfort.
Vickie & Jim Grantland
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Jim touched so many lives, including thousands of students.
I met him nearly 3 decades ago as a 15-year-old and the passion he had for nature, conservation, and mentoring students was apparent and still influences me today. As a university educator and scientist, I hope to bring the same energy he had. His legacy will live on in the educators and scientists he mentored.
Erim Gomez, PhD
It has been said about one’s truest calling in life that it is “the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” (Frederich Buechner) That piece of wisdom, embodied in the life of Jim Hutchins, is my most significant memory of the time I knew him. Oh, I have stories, as we all do. Stories by Jim and about Jim fill my mind and my heart – adventures on the trail, with “the kids,” with the people who lived along Bear Creek, Jim fishing in bad weather (“There’s no one else here?! Yes!”), and countless other tales, jokes, one-liners, and marvels. I treasure these.
But through it all, one amazing reality held it all together. Jim served creation and community doing work he loved to do. That is why he could never imagine stopping. That is why it never seems like work to him, in the way so many of us think about work. Jim somehow managed to find the spot where doing what it was that needed doing was exactly the kind of thing he liked to do best.
I find that to be rather remarkable, and quite wonderful. And that’s what shines most brightly as I think of him and give thanks for having known him. He lived all this in his own unique “Jim Hutchins” style, of course. But he lived it fully and well and faithfully. Thank you, Jim.
Pastor Doug Vold
Poet, teacher, friend.
Inspiration to us all.
Blessed Journey on.
With love,
Charles and Luann Lane, Oregon Stewardship
Hutch was a dear friend who we’ve known for decades as he collected native seeds and cuttings for us to grow at Althouse Nursery. In turn, many of those plants went right back to Hutch’s Oregon Stewardship projects. Eventually, we coached Hutch in growing many of the species himself, and then he taught his students those skills. He loved what he did and showed the kids the pragmatic and aesthetic values of horticulture. He always kept an open mind and was willing to share – opinions and skills alike.
And he truly loved those kids. He’d stop by our nursery on his way to and from the coast and he’d always have a story to tell about what the students were working on. And he often dropped off a piece of steelhead or salmon that he’d caught along the way. I think he ALWAYS carried his fishing gear with him and often noted that he’d stop by a favorite hole to cast a line if the opportunity arose.
Hutch also spoke often of his good friend and fellow fisherman Bob from the Illinois Valley. Bernie passed away last year, so I’m sure that wherever Hutch is, he and Bernie are out there doing a little fishing.
Graig and Barbara Delbol
My memory of Jim is a lasting one. This occurred when my love of cycling met with Jim’s love of the Wild Salmon. Jim took me out along Bear Creek and taught me the most likely locations to spot the Salmon during the Salmon run in October/November. After the expert lessons this became an annual ritual for me. I ride my bike along Bear Creek and have found multiple locations where the Salmon can be spotted. I would report to Jim approximately how many Salmon I found at each location and Jim would inform me about the total Salmon run for the year. I will continue to do this each year and continue to think of Jim each time I spot the Wild Salmon. Thank you Jim for adding this amazing delight to cycling. I won’t forget you.
Ted Menold
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There are lots of memories, stories, and thoughts of gratitude when I think of my time spent with Jim. I always looked forward to heading to the coast with him to work with high school students and explore rivers and natural spaces. At the end of a work day, we’d find some body of water to relax and recap the day. I really loved our conversations and shared laughter. He became a good friend. When I think of our adventures in working outside, there were sketchy moments
like clearing rocks off the 199 in the Smith River Canyon during a torrential downpour so we could get through, mellow moments like sitting in the sun by a little riffle while Jim fished for steelhead, but in this moment I’m thinking about when Jim created a little contraption for getting shopping carts out of
Bear Creek – a long narrow rope with an S-hook tied to the end. One day we spent a couple hours fishing for shopping carts in the creek, hooting and hollering when the hook would catch it. It was always a fun time working alongside Jim.
Because of my time with Jim and Oregon Stewardship, I decided to pivot in my path and pursue a career in education working with adolescents and teenagers. I take lessons I learned from Jim with me and think about him often. When there was a need, he would fill it. Picking up trash, planting trees, helping out a young person in need… he would just do it, and I really appreciate that about him. He modeled that you can work hard and have fun at the same time. He also connected so many young people to nature. Because of him, many more young people are aware of salmon spawning in Bear Creek. What a gift! Jim has been such an awesome influence in my life and in so many others’. Thanks so much for everything, Jim.
~Celina Weeg
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Jim is a person you meet once in a lifetime. He’s the type of person to be in a room full of people and still make everyone in the room feel special and heard. Jim didn’t complain he just did what needed to be done. That has always stuck with me. It didn’t matter what the obstacles were. Jim always knew how to get the job done. We could have maintained two trails, the hatchery, worked on the high school garden beds, and all it would take is a caramel latte break to get the rest of the
day’s work in. After a long day’s work we would never forget to dip our feet in the creek. Meeting Jim changed my life. There are so many life accomplishments that I would have never conquered if I hadn’t met Jim. He gave me confidence. He made me feel like I was capable of doing anything in my life. He even made me feel like I could become Mayor. I will treasure our memories for the rest of my life. My only hope is that I can continue to make him proud.
-Taylor Montgomery, Oregon Stewardship
Jim and I loved to verbally joke back and forth over the years. Jim had a keen sense of humor. I’ll miss our phone calls especially when I’d say “Can I call you Jim?” and Jim would say “Can I call you Mel?” I remember our last call in December when we agreed that he’d have a “shot” of whiskey and I’d
have a “shot” of tequila whenever we called. Here’s a “shot” for you Jim!
Mel & Helen Speegle
We always enjoyed spending time with you and Jim over the years and he will certainly be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
And, as Jim would say “Friends Forever”.
Bart & Cindy Speegle
“It goes without saying that Jim has been a huge influence on my life. I doubt that I would be where I am today without his teachings, his values, his humor, and the experiences and projects he has offered me. Be it endless maintenance of TouVelle State Park, building a trail in Denman Wildlife Area, or reclaiming and restoring riparian regions of Bear Creek, I always enjoyed the work that I did with Jim.
At the time, it was easy enough at the time to think that those Eagle Scout and Senior Projects were just hurdles to jump, but I highly doubt I would be the environmentalist I am today, teaching and researching issues of climate and ecology, and working at a world-class university without some of those humble experiences digging in the dirt, pulling up blackberries, and planting native vegetation. It is a real point of pride for me to know that I was part of the original effort to restore Bear Creek and I look forward to seeing the work continue and thrive in time.
Jim: I owe you a considerable debt of success. I am beyond sorry that I am unable to say these things to you in person.
I recently found a quote that resonates with me: “Treat the Earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to
you by your children.” Beyond a doubt, Jim has looked after this world well and left it better than where it started. I will continue his work as best I can in the future.”
Walker Ross, PhD. University of Edinburgh
Criss Cross Applesauce
Jim, or as we know him, “Hutch” taught me how to prune trees on our property. He explained his technique as “Criss Cross Applesauce”. I’m still not sure what he meant, but I remember that training session every time I pick up my loppers. Hutch also laid out a walking path for us in our back property. We walk or run it most days with our dog Boo. A day does not go by when we are not grateful for Hutch’s help creating this path and the impact he has had on our lives.
Cathy Fultineer, Oregon Stewardship
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I am speechless. What shocking news. I know we all have to go some day and yet, it always catches us by surprise. I will miss Jim, his humor, his laughter, his vitality. And yet, I know he was more in your lives and especially in Carla´s life. Jim touched so many lives in a good way. He was such a good mentor for the students. I believe, as long as we live he will live on within us, in our minds and especially in our hearts.
My deep sympathy. Nicolaj
I had the pleasure of knowing Jim for many years. We met when he came to Glendale Elementary School offering to teach my students about streams, fish, and habitats. I jumped at the chance and never regretted it. I got to enjoy watching him teach kids the wonders of all those things through art, writing, projects, and field trips. We became good friends and good fishing buddies. I loved seeing his excitement when showing me fishing spots he had found, and later catching
fish there with him.
People that knew Jim lit up when he met with them. He had a quality of delight that showed in the way he was around them, children and adults alike. They always felt better after being with him, and I believe that goodwill spread outward from them to many others. Jim always seemed to be in a good mood no matter what. He once told me that it was a choice he had decided to make, one that I find easier to make because of him.
I will greatly miss Jim. Yet when I see a picture of him leading a group of kids hiking on a sunny day, or when I’m near a stream or river, I’ll remember what a great guy he was and how much he shared with us.
With gratitude, Mike Brassill
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