James L. Hutchings

James Lealand Hutchings of Fort Lauderdale FL, known to friends as "JACK", passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 7th, 2018 at the age of 79. A native of Pontiac, Mi., Jack graduated from Pontiac High School in 1956. He was a bigger than life figure, who defied all boundaries in life and never let his loss of vision stop him from accomplishing his dreams with the gifts God gave him at birth. Jack was a talented musician, who in 1957, was the lead singer in the high school vocal group called The Hi-Tones. In 1968, he founded his first company S&H Fabricating and Engineering, Inc. from his garage with just a few hundred dollars in his pocket. The company became the largest privately held automotive AC company to GMC in North America. During this time, he was awarded the distinguished Horatio Alger Award. This prestigious award is given to only 10 people per year in Washington, DC, for following the American Dream and going from rags to riches. In 1998, Jack sold what he called his "baby company". Being that he could not stay bored, he then went on and founded Hutchings Automotive Products, Inc. He liked creating and inventing things with his hands. His passions were deep sea fishing on the Lady Columbo, cruising on his yacht The Barbara Jean and sailing the world on his sailboat The Georgia. He was a very generous and charismatic man. He could be downright stubborn, but everyone knew the he was a teddy bear inside. He touched so many people's lives and leaves behind an enormous void with his passing. Jack leaves behind his wife of over 50 years, Barbara Jean Hutchings, his sons and daughters-in law Ronald & Lucia Hutchings, Wesley & Rachel Hutchings and Kevin and Karen Hutchings; his daughters and son-in law Diane & Peter Stenborg II and Kathy J. Hutchings. Also, he leaves behind thirteen grandchildren, four great grandchildren, his brother Donald W. Hutchings and sisters Dolores Condon, Sally, Sandy, Susy, Joe and Pat. The family requests memorial donations to the Children's Home Society.