James Raymond Hutchins

James Raymond Hutchins passed away at UAB Hospital surrounded by family on March 2, 2026 at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Mae George Fancher Hutchins, children Terri Hutchins (Mike) Cournoyer, Kaye Hutchins Hughes, Howie (Cathy) Hutchins, and Patsy Hutchins (John) Haw. He is also survived by his much loved grandchildren, Kacie Hughes (Mike) Swanson, Stephen Haw, Olivia Hutchins, and twins Savannah and Andrew Hughes.

James, known for most of his life as “Hutch”, was born in Birmingham, Alabama on November 14, 1937 to Raymond and Imogene Spencer Hutchins. Hutch went to school in Tarrant, Alabama where he met his future wife, Mae George, who was his “girlfriend” since the 3rd grade. A two sport letterman in high school, he graduated from Tarrant High School in 1955, continuing his education at Auburn University (then Alabama Polytechnic Institute), graduating in the new field of Aeronautical Engineering in 1959 as a first generation college graduate in his family. James and Mae George married while at Auburn in 1956. Landing a job with Douglas Aircraft Company, the family moved to California to start his 51 year long career in the then nascent space industry. With his involvement in the “Space Race”, Hutch not only wrote software (most likely utilizing his trusty slide rule) and served as a payload manager, he had a part in many of the critical and momentous events in the history of the program. His involvement saw both the highs and the lows of the space program including the most tragic events. When asked by his family why he never talked about his incredibly interesting work, he typically responded “you wouldn’t understand no way”. Hutch’s career took him coast to coast and internationally for the 51 years and he finally and regretfully retired at 72 after working on projects like Apollo, Gemini, Mercury, SkyLab, the Shuttle, and finally, Missile Defense where he was “saving our asses”.

After retirement, Hutch was able to do more of what he loved best—spending time with family and watching and cheering for the Auburn Tigers. He was the best kind of fan with his devotion and “War Eagle anyway” kind of spirit. He and Mae George traveled to Auburn games and across the country in their motorhome and on his motorcycle. He never waivered in his devotion to Auburn University and to his family and we all will be eternally grateful. His was a life truly well lived.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Imogene Hutchins and his sister, Betty Jean.

The funeral will be held at Valhalla Funeral Home on Winchester Road, Huntsville, Alabama on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 12 noon. Visitation will begin at 10 am. All friends and family are welcome.

The family asks that donations be made to The Auburn University Raptor Center AuburnGiving.org/JamesHutchinsMemorial and to Lifeline Pet Rescue of North Alabama (121 Kohler Road SE, Huntsville, AL 35803 .

“A life well lived never truly ends…it echoes in the faith, courage, and hope it leaves behind. Death may close the chapter, but the legacy continues to write itself in every heart touched along the way”.