Funeral Service for James Edward Hutchins, 81, of Wilmot, SD will be held on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Wilmot, SD with Rev. Caleb Schewe officiating. Pallbearers will be Jim's Grandchildren Matthew Hein, Travis Hein, Kyle Hutchins, Kevin Hutchins, Jessie Huff, Allison Butler, Katy Hutchins, LauraLee Medina, Jason O'Bryant and Riley Guest.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Jim's Great-grandchildren Cassie, Lucas, Vanessa, Michael, Lauren, Wayne, Matthew, Kaylee, Kaiden, Kaisleigh, KamBrynn, Kailieb, Drew, Paisyn and three more on the way and all of Jim's hunting and fishing buddies. Military Rites will be by Drake Sorbel American Legion Post #64. Interment will be in the Garfield Lutheran Cemetery, Wilmot, SD. There will be visitation on Friday, May 25, 2018 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service at the Our Saviors Lutheran Church and one hour prior to service on Saturday.
James Edward Hutchins was born on April 30, 1937 near Webster, SD to Jesse and Amanda (Pingle) Hutchins.   He attended school until the 8 ^th grade. After his education he worked for the Milwaukee railroad on the bolt crew. In 1954 he entered the US Navy, serving until 1958, after his honorable discharge he went back to the Milwaukee Railroad as a welder. On October 10, 1959 he married Carol (Greiner) in Wilmot, SD. He continued to work for the railroad while living in Perry, Iowa. In 1962 the couple returned to the Wilmot area and started farming and milking cows until his retirement in 1992. After their retirement the couple traveled, enjoying that time visiting family and friends.

During his retirement Jim worked at Hartford Beach State Park, for several area farmers, for Cenex, as a Roberts County FSA field man, at Schiltz Goose Farm and for Dakota Magic Casino. He also served on the Browns Valley Creamery board for 26 years, and the Lake Township board for a number of years. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, gardening, flowers and fruit trees. He was forever lending a helping hand to his family, friends and neighbors. He always had time for us all.   You could always find him outdoors at the lake playing with grandkids, working in the garden, at an auction sale, playing cards or telling stories. He passed away suddenly on May 22, 2018 at his home.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carol of Wilmot, four children, Dennis and Annette Hutchins of Sisseton SD, Donald and Cindy Hutchins of New Braunfels, TX, Denise Hein of Watertown, SD, Delvin and Sara Hutchins of Watertown, SD. 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, a brother Ernest and Gloria Hutchins of Brookings, SD, an aunt Ann Pingle of Bristol, SD, 4 brothers-in-law, Ronald and Rita Greiner, Jim and Bobbie Greiner, Kelley Greiner and Delton Osterloh.