James Hudson

James Hudson, also known as “Big Jim” or “Jim” was a beloved: brother, husband, father, uncle, teacher, coach, mentor, and friend to many thousands of souls in this world. Notable were his efforts as a coach and teacher at McLoughlin Union High (Mac Hi) of Milton-Freewater, Oregon and at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City, Oregon.

At Mac Hi, Jim built up an impressive record of victories and championships as a head coach in: Baseball, Wrestling, and Football. He also coached the junior varsity football, basketball, and wrestling teams, many of which went undefeated. He also built up a strong reputation as a biology instructor and order of “M” letterman’s club mentor/advisor. He also built two baseball fields for the McLoughlin School District. He assisted in building a new baseball field in Yantis Memorial Park for the use of local American Legion Baseball Teams. A man of many talents, he helped install the lighting for the High School Football and Baseball fields so the teams could play games at night.

During part of his time in Milton-Freewater, Jim Hudson took the time to be the main pitcher for the Walla Walla Bears of the Northwest ‘A’ League. Jim set several records for wins, strike outs, and a low earned run average in a season. He was the pitcher that pitched the Bears to several championship appearances in their division. He also pitched and played first base for the M-F Twins of the Northwest ‘B’ league, helping that team to a division championship.

Upon moving to Clackamas Community College, Jim Hudson helped out as the assistant football coach, head athletic trainer, head archery instructor, head golf coach, and professor of physical education. As the head golf coach, Jim coached several players to national championship competition and has taught several golf professionals now resident at several golf courses in the Pacific Northwest.

James was born on 23 September, 1923, in Moro, Arkansas, to John Aquilla and Ora Bea Hudson. He was the fourth son born to the family and also fourth of five children. Jim was the Great Grand Nephew (Maternal) of the Cherokee Leader Sequoiya and the Grandson of the Cherokee Chief “Aquilla” (Paternal). The family moved from Arkansas to Oregon during the Great Depression and Jim went to school in the Forest Grove School System until the beginning of World War II, at which time Jim was drafted into the United States Army in February, 1943. His high school diploma was presented in absentia to his mother and father later that Spring.

James received training in Combat Engineer skills and training as a heavy (10Ton) truck driver and was sent overseas to the European Theater where he was stationed in Bristol, England. It was here that he met his future wife, Kay Driscoll, Flight Warrant Officer, RAF, Spotter Command. In June of 1944, Jim Hudson loaded out for and landed at Omaha Beach (second wave), Normandy, in the invasion of the European continent. Jim was initially involved in some of the fierce hedgerow country fighting and was later involved in moving supplies to General George Patton’s Third Army during its breakout from Normandy. He was later involved in the setup and operation of the Red Ball Express as a convoy commander. In this capacity, he helped to transport the 101st Airborne into Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. He became involved in some of the most intense fighting while in Bastogne. After the relief of the 101st Airborne, Jim was assigned to assist with the pickup and transport the dead from the Malmedy Massacre back to the rear for burial. Jim was later assigned to be one of the combat car transport drivers for General George S. Patton in the Third Army’s push towards Metz, France, and across the Rhine. While driving General Patton, Jim was to see the first death camps and prisoner of war camps liberated. He would be haunted by these sights for the rest of his life. He would also drive the Generals personal gear and household goods to Antwerp,Belgium, upon the death of general Patton. Jim would later be reassigned to a transportation company in Berlin and become part of the Army of Occupation until May, 1946. He would come home to Forest Grove, Oregon, go to Pacific University, start a family, and move into a career in teaching and coaching.

His personal decorations are: National Defense Medal, European, Africa, Middle East Service Medal, American Theater Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, World War Two Victory Medal, European Army of Occupation Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge. He was nominated for Bronze Star Medal with ‘V’ for Valor and nominated for the Silver Star Medal for Gallantry in Action, but neither medal was issued to him.

Jim was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion. He was also a life member of the 40 & 8 (40et8) veterans association. He served in the capacity of: Sergeant at Arms, Vice Commander, Assistant Post Commander and Post Commander. He was also a life member of the Oregon City Elks Lodge. He was a founding member of and contributed to the American Air Museum in England. He also mustered as a deputy sheriff in Clackamas County, OR.

James is survived by his son, John Patrick Hudson, daughter in law, Crystal Faye (Abraham) Hudson, Grandson, Christopher Bret Hudson, all of Vancouver, WA. His brother, Roger W. Hudson and wife Jackie of Carmel, CA. His sister, Joanne (Hudson) Woita, of Forest Grove, OR., and a grand host of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews living all over the United States. James was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Kathleen Kate (Driscoll) Hudson in June of 2008.

Internment service will be at Lincoln Memorial Chapel across from the Willamette National Cemetery on Friday, 03 August, at 1:00pm. Services are open to all family and friends of James Hudson. James will be buried with his wife in the Willamette National Cemetery in a private ceremony. The Hudson family greatly appreciates in advance, your attendance at the 1:00pm ceremony at the chapel.

Here’s smiling at you folks. May your life be good and most interesting. Mine sure was! Jim.