James Andrew Hutton
In his 85th year, Jim passed peacefully at Huntsville, Ontario. Beloved husband for 58 years to Elaine Hutton (Edwards) loving father of Suzanne Hallam (Hutton), and Jeffrey Hutton (deceased). Devoted grandfather to Matthew Hallam and thoughtful father- in-law to Brad Hallam. Only child of Lorene (Holley) and James Smith Hutton.
Jim grew up in Long Branch, Ontario where he attended public school and New Toronto Secondary School. He really loved being part of the Scouting movement. Attending the huge 1955 Jamboree in Toronto was a life-changing experience he never forgot. He was proud to be awarded the special designation of Queen Scout and also enjoyed being a Rover leader.
Jim graduated from the University of Toronto in 1966 after specializing in Math and Computer Science. He worked in the financial sector at McLeod Young Weir, eventually becoming a Vice President. In the mid 1980's, Jim opened his own company, Hutton Investment Counsel Inc. As a designated Investment Counsel and Portfolio Manager, and a great support staff, he developed a well-respected financial investment company over the next 25 years.
Jim was always active in the community and belonged to several different associations. He was a past president of the Leaside Property Owners Association, President of the Sales Research Club Toronto and an active Rotarian for over 30 years. He also looked after the Neighbourhood Watch program at his winter home in Canoa Seca Estates, Green Valley, Arizona.
He began his years in Rotary with the Leaside Rotary group and, after moving to Muskoka, Jim became active in the Huntsville chapter. Raising money for local projects was close to his heart. Jim spent close to 15 years as the "voice" of Huntsville Rotary bingo on Cogeco TV. When he started to spend winters in Arizona, he added the Tubac chapter of Rotary International to his life. Eventually, Jim became a Paul Harris Fellow, one of the highest honours in Rotary, for his outstanding contribution to the community.
In the summers, canoe tripping and camping with friends in various provincial parks and spending time at the cottage on Lake of Bays with family were special to him. He loved sailing Hobi Cats and racing his one-man Laser sailboat. He became a director of the Lake of Bays Sailing Club. He always said, “I’m still going to be sailing when I’m 70.”
If you wanted to find him any other day, he was on the golf course with one of his golf partners in Muskoka or Arizona, depending on the time of year. Even when he developed Parkinson’s disease his devoted friends helped him adapt his game to keep him on the links.
In the last 15 months, with Elaine visiting almost daily, he lived at Rogers Cove Retirement Residence and then at Muskoka Landing Long Term Care. The dedicated staff gave him the special support he required to make his life easier.
Jim had a unique, engaging sense of humour and was well-liked and respected by those he met in various walks of life. He dedicated himself to all the various endeavors that he undertook. Truly a life well-lived. If desired, donations may be made to a charity of your choice to continue the good work that Jim always strived to achieve in the community.
At the request of the family, there will be no public visitation or service. Cremation has been arranged by Mitchell Funeral Home of Huntsville. Interment at Madill Church Cemetery in the spring of 2024. Messages of condolences can be left on this site.