On Tuesday, August 10, 2021, Dr. James C. Hutchings of Harrison, TN, peacefully left his earthly runway and caught his heavenly flight to his eternal home.  He was surrounded by family.

James was born on April 7, 1942 to the late Erby and Estella Kirby Hutchings in the town of Sparta, TN.  At the tender age of 16, he was called to the pastoral ministry.  Just a few years into the ministry, he met his beautiful wife, Jane, and knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.  They married on July 2, 1966.  He cherished his wife and the children born of this union until he left them to join his heavenly Father.

James was a mentor to many pastors, an amazing teacher, and most importantly, a true man of God, spreading the Word to anyone he met.  He attended White County High School, Middle Tennessee State University, Emmanuel Bible College, Pacific Western University, and lastly, Covington Theological Seminary, where he later served on the staff for 25 years.

He pastored many churches including the Ole Bethel Baptist (Doyle, TN), Fall City Baptist (Rock Island, TN), Bethel Hill Baptist (Centertown, TN), Westside Baptist (McMinnville, TN), Hickman Baptist (Hickman, TN), Alder Branch (Sevierville, TN), Prosperity Baptist (Auburntown, TN), Hillcrest Baptist (Lebanon, TN), New Bethel Baptist (Harrison, TN), and New Liberty Baptist Church (Birchwood, TN).  James officially retired from pastoring after 59 years in November of 2019.  In his years of pastoring, he spent many tireless hours studying, writing sermons, mentoring others, and praying for every single person in his life as well as for so many that he never even knew.  He did what God called him to do until his final days on earth.

Share your memories and express your condolences to the family on their guestbook.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his very special aunt, Maggie.

James is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Jane Hutchings; children, Theresa (Teddy) Lewis, and Mark (Nikki) Hutchings, both of Harrison; grandchildren, Cody (Jennifer) Lewis of Ooltewah, and Sgt. Caleb Lewis (who is currently serving in the United States Army in Hinesville, GA); bonus grandchildren, Ceinna Holbert and Kaden Holt of Harrison; great-grandchildren, Easton Lewis,  Maverick Lewis and Lucy Jane Lewis (coming soon) of Ooltewah; siblings, Don (Peggy) Hutchings of Doyle, TN, Shirley (James) Hickey of Sparta, TN, and Barbara (Benny) Raper of Doyle, TN.

Also left to cherish his memory are his extended family and a host of friends.

Pallbearers: Cody Lewis, Caleb Lewis, Matthew Hickey, Greg Brock, Chris Wells, and George Morgan.

Honorary Pallbearers will be ministers.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 14, 2021 from 5 – 8 p.m. at Turner Funeral Home, Hwy 58 Chapel.

The funeral service will be held on Sunday, August 15, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. at New Bethel Baptist Church, 8740 Harrison Bay Rd in Harrison.  The family welcomes friends to visit an hour beforehand, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

James will be laid to rest at New McDonald (Eastview) Cemetery.

The family requests flowers be sent to the funeral home, or donations may be made in his honor to New Bethel Baptist Church in Harrison, or New Liberty Baptist Church in Birchwood, TN.