Hutchinson James Utt

Hutchinson James Utt passed away surrounded by family on December 31, 2023. Born in Morgantown, West Virginia, on January 26, 1939, to Woodrow and Dorotha Utt. He preferred to go by his middle name and was known to most as Jim. He was the oldest of three children, the only son, and has two surviving younger sisters, Jenny Digon and Mariann Matlick. He graduated from Morgantown High School in 1956 and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Catherine Barill. They were married for 66 years and had three children, Hutch, Lora Lee (Gerdes) and Jason.

Jim and his family relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio, in the 1980s where they spent many of their years. Jim was very successful in his career with the Shoney’s Restaurant Company on the construction side of the business. He was the Regional Director of Construction, responsible for a large part of the country. He really enjoyed the challenges and travel that came with being in the industry. Jim was well known for his strong work ethic and was highly respected amongst his peers for his ability to consistently exceed expectations. Later in his career, he went on to manage his own construction consulting company, providing management and direction to a variety of companies, primarily within the food service industry.

During their years living in Cincinnati, many grandchildren were born. His favorite name to go by was Pop Pop (Poppy to the youngest grandchildren). If there was a crying grandchild, he had the perfect technique to soothe them. Many naps were taken while lying on his chest as he sat in his recliner, happy as can be. One of his greatest joys was to spoil his grandchildren.

Jim always looked forward to the annual family vacations at the beach with Mary and the entire extended family. He enjoyed golfing with his sons and son-in-law whenever he had the opportunity and always participated in the church golf league during his years in Cincinnati.

Jim is survived by his son, Hutch; his wife, Pat; daughter Lora Lee and her husband Holger; son Jason and his wife Kendra; and the seven grandchildren that he was so proud of: Michele, Laura, Mackenzie, Mary Morgan, Kyle, Ryan, and Zachary, as well as three great-grandchildren: Aveyn, River, and Nayvie.

Burial service with family at Gate of Heaven in Cincinnati, Ohio, will occur on Saturday, February 10, at 11:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers please direct any memorial donations to St. Mary Church in Delaware, Ohio, at the following link: https://osvhub.com/delawarestmary/giving/funds