Obituary of James Graham Hutchinson

HUTCHINSON, James Graham "Jim" - It is with broken hearts and profound sadness that we, the family, announce the peaceful passing of James Graham Hutchinson at the Halifax Infirmary on June 14th, 2024. He was surrounded by love and prayers.

Born March 22, 1952, to David and Nellie Hutchinson, Jim grew up in a very loving happy family on Windmill Road in Dartmouth. At a very young age he displayed the tendencies that would carry him throughout his life; a quiet steady determination to get the job done, and a desire to treat people fairly.

He was very active in sports growing up, with football and hockey being his favorites, but he enjoyed all sports, watching and playing. After graduating high school (not without giving his mom more than a few grey hairs), Jim entered the Pharmacy program at Dalhousie University on the recommendation of his guidance counselor (he wanted to be a phys ed teacher). Although not a strong science student, this is where his determination came into play. Jim loved university and the friendships he made, which lasted 50 years. Always one to make time for sports and fun, his participation on 8 sports teams garnered him the Athlete of the Year title in his graduating year. 

Jim shared a special bond with his father. When his dad was ill and died in Jim’s third year of university, it made a tough year even harder, but again, Jim persevered.

After graduation Jim worked in a few locations, such as Antigonish and Halifax, however, when he agreed to work a 6 month locum in Truro, little did he know how his life would change. This is where he met his love, his Pam. A year later they began their life together. Jim’s work as an Inspector for the Federal government took them to Dartmouth and Moncton. When they started their family, they settled in New Glasgow opening Shoppers Drug Mart in Highland Square Mall. Six years later they opened Burnside Pharmacy in Dartmouth, and finally in 1991, with his family settled in Enfield, he found his true niche, opening Cobequid Pharmacy in Lower Sackville. Never afraid of hard work, Jim, with Pam at his side, grew this into a true family business. Jim loved talking to his customers, many of whom became like family. He often said he felt blessed to work at a job that didn’t feel like a job.

In 1987 Jim joined the Enfield Fire Dept as a volunteer firefighter, something he was so honoured to do. He enjoyed the training and the camaraderie that he and the members shared. He was proud to introduce the sport of curling to the dept and they went on to win many bonspiels.

To say Jim loved his family would be an understatement. He felt that his children were his greatest achievement and they were the reason he did what he did. Dance, hockey, ball, he was there when he could...and how proud he was when all three of his children went off to university and then found employment in their chosen fields. He was so proud of their achievements and would talk about them to everyone who dared to ask.

He was a great dad and an even greater Papa. He totally adored his grandkids and they him! They were his reward he said. Jim had hoped for more time to go fishing with Thomas, to talk and watch hockey with Davis, to watch Tyler on stage with his acting and to see Charis dance. He loved watching them play sports and if he couldn’t be there, he always 

wanted to know about the game or activity. He was proud to see how his bonus grand-kids Dani and Dylan had grown and matured.

Jim and Pam were fortunate to be able to travel to many of the islands in the sunny south, his favorite being the villa in Barbados. They also took trips to Italy, England, Scotland and Ireland, to name just a few adventures, with travel buddies Steve and Carol, Buddy and Pam. More recently he took a dream trip with Steve, Sean and Brock to see the British Open at St Andrews in Scotland.

But Jim could find fun anywhere, fishing and ATVing with Bob, debating with Kim, and playing cross crib with Randy and Marie. He loved being surrounded by his family and their friends and looked forward to the family backyard bash,  the horseshoe tournament and the Christmas Eve parties, usually with his signature Nova Scotia Crystal wine glass in hand, wearing his Crocs.

In his later years Jim took up gardening, (but to be honest, he was always a putterer) and each year he expanded the vegetable garden until it actually took over half the deck.

Jim was so grateful to Dr. Baskett and Dr. Bata for the extra 20 years they gave him. It allowed him to walk his daughters down the aisle and to see his grandchildren be born.

Jim was predeceased by his amazing parents, David Hutchinson (1974) and Nellie (Uloth) Hutchinson (2019).

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Pamela, who rarely left his side, be it when they worked together, or out on the deck enjoying music, or sitting at his side in hospital. They rarely ran out of things to talk about. They truly enjoyed each other’s company. His children, who gave him so much joy, Brieanna (Danny) Andrews, Kristin (Terry Blyth) Hutchinson and Brock (Louise Seniuk) Hutchinson. His grandkids, who lit up his world and never failed to bring that wonderful smile to his face, Charis, Thomas, Tyler and Davis and his bonus ones Dani and Dylan.

He is also survived by his siblings and their spouses with whom he was very close; Rick (Deb) Hutchinson, Brian (Yetty) Hutchinson, Sue (Martin) Erickson and Carol (Steve) Mabey. Also survived by his Aunt, Winnie Hutchinson and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Jim’s funeral will be held June 29th 2024 at 2 pm at St Thomas Anglican Church 3534 Highway 2 Fall River with the Rev. Carl Fraser presiding. Reception to follow at the Enfield Fire Hall 273 Highway 2 Enfield. Internment at a later date. 

Many thanks to the Enfield Fire Hall for the help and respect they have shown Jim both in the past and with his passing. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Caring and Sharing Angel Tree Food Bank 50 Old Enfield Road Unit 2A Enfield  N.S. B2T 1C9 (a charity Jim and Pam  supported and held dear to their hearts).

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ettinger Funeral Home 

For online condolences, inquires and to view the live stream please go to www.ettingerfuneralhome.com

Oh My Jim..My HonDoll ..No one fought harder than you to stay with us. So many times you fought and won. But now it’s time, our Superman, to let us take the cape. Rest easy, my love, we’ve got this. You have shown us the way and I am comforted knowing you are watching over us, and will be there to hug me when it’s my turn. Your family that you loved so deeply, will carry that love, and you, in our hearts forever. 

       “In silence, the heart is heard. In reflection, the  shadows lift. Through the light, I feel you with me. At peace, I treasure the lives, forever changed by yours.”

     Unknown