James R. Hutchins

James Richard Hutchins, 48, of Newton was reunited in heaven with his loved ones that had passed before on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at his home. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 25, 2019, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.  Memorials to Optimae Life Services or the Wittemberg Cemetery Association may be left at the funeral home.

James was born to Richard and Victoria (Failor) Hutchins on December 28, 1970 in Newton. He grew up in Newton and was a talented musician.  He participated in music since his mother taught him to play the accordion as a boy.  Jim had played various brass instruments starting with the cornet in 4thgrade.  He went on to multiple state competitions and played in the marching band, jazz band, First United Methodist Church band, and the Newton Municipal Band.

Jim had participated in Boy Scouts starting as a Cub Scout and advancing rank until achieving Eagle Scout status with his father acting as Scout Master of Troop 351.  

Jim graduated from Newton High School in 1990 and from Marshalltown Community College with honors in the Tool & Die Program in 1993.  Jim’s working career started with detasseling corn, working at McDonalds, the local video store, and HyVee.  From 1993-2005, Jim was a Tool & Die maker at Lennox Industries in Marshalltown.

Jim moved to Des Moines where he was happy to be near his sister, aunt, and nieces. He also helped his mother when she later moved to West Des Moines. When his mother moved back to her hometown of Newton, Jim moved back to Newton as well to be close to her.

Jim leaves behind his mother, Victoria (Cal) Holmquist; sister, Laura (Andrew) Leon; son, Austin Leytham; nieces, Zoe and Mia Rand; and several aunts and uncles including his aunt, Jeanne Failor.  He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Hutchins and grandparents, Frank and Virginia Hutchins and Roland and Byrnadeen Failor.

Jim lived a life of the Good Samaritan, saw kindness in all people, and knew no strangers.  He was the most caring and generous person you would ever meet.  Jim will be greatly missed and his absence will be felt everyday by those that loved him.  May he rest in peace, free from his pain, and one day greet us all at the gates of heaven, in his new home. 

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