01/06/2026
James Arlin Hutto
James “Jim” Arlin Hutto, age 84, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, in Arlington, Texas, just days before his 85th birthday.
Jim was born on January 4, 1941, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Cecil Everett Hutto and Arthurine Allen Hutto. He spent his early childhood in Barbers Hill before moving to Baytown, Texas, during his high school years. He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown, where he met the love of his life, Patsy Hardison, while he was a junior in high school. Jim and Pat were married on June 6, 1964, and recently celebrated 61 years of marriage, building a life together grounded in faith, devotion, and deep companionship.
Jim attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, where he earned a degree in business. While in college, he was actively involved in ROTC and served as a resident assistant, reflecting his natural leadership and sense of responsibility. Following graduation, he served in the Texas Air National Guard for six years.
Jim spent his entire professional career with Texas Power & Light, later known as TU Electric. Through dedication, dependability, and a strong work ethic, he worked his way up into management and ultimately retired from the TU Electric Dallas office. Though highly accomplished, Jim remained humble and was known as someone others could always count on.
After retirement, Jim continued to serve others through volunteer work with the Tarrant County Cancer Society, Arlington Memorial Hospital, and as a driver for the American Cancer Society. He was also actively involved in Rotary Club International and the Chamber of Commerce in the small towns where he and Pat lived throughout their years, always finding ways to support and strengthen those communities.
A man of deep faith, Jim was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. Throughout his adult life, he faithfully served in youth ministries and on numerous church committees in Hurst, Commerce, Mineral Wells, Palestine, and Arlington, Texas. He and Pat most recently attended First United Methodist Church of Hurst. No matter where Jim traveled, church attendance was always part of the journey, even on vacation, and he made sure his family came along.
Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and proud “Pappa.” He loved his children and grandchildren deeply and found great joy in teaching them about business, responsibility, and hard work. He created opportunities for them to learn through family trips, adventures, and everyday moments. Jim was known for packing snack packs in brown paper sacks, knowing the weather forecast before anyone else, and always keeping a paper map close at hand.
Jim loved planning—especially trips. He delighted his family with carefully thought-out itineraries and was always thinking about the next destination. He loved the water in all its forms: the ocean, rivers, and lakes. One of the family’s most cherished places was their lake house at Hideaway Lake in Lindale, Texas, which Jim designed himself and was especially proud of. July 4th celebrations there became treasured traditions, complete with boat parades. Jim always loved boating and the water.
A lifelong sports fan, Jim especially loved baseball and cheering on the Texas Rangers. He was also known for his dad jokes, particularly on the golf course, where he loved spending time with friends and family. He had a gift for interacting with people and brightening their day wherever he went.
Above all, Jim always wanted to be close to his wife. On his final day, Pat was able to lie by his side and be with him until the end. The family takes comfort knowing her presence brought Jim peace and reassurance in his final hours.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia “Pat” Hutto; his children, Christi Brennan and her husband Jeff, and Todd Hutto and his wife Margaret; his cherished grandchildren, Seth and Drew Hutto, and Bradley, Rebecca Jane, and Wyatt Brennan; and his nieces, Cheryl Whipple and Pam O’Rourke and her husband Mike; and great niece and nephew Sara and John Thomas Whipple, and Sara’s daughter, Brooke.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Everett Hutto and Arthurine Allen Hutto; his brother, Donald Hutto; and his daughter, Millie, and baby Hutto.
Jim’s love for the Lord was deeply instilled in his family, who find comfort and peace knowing that he is now with Him.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wade Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Wade Funeral Home and Crematory. A private graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Cedarcrest Cemetery in Baytown, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Jim's memory to Mission Arlington https://forms.ministryforms.net/embed.aspx?formId=d326c58e-a45a-4ff1-b723-8b5c45d041a0&custom-templates= or to support Lewy Body Disease research https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=12349024502&gbraid=0AAAAADEgG1zCMvLcVknzBlU41jVXkf06v&gclid=CjwKCAiA3-3KBhBiEiwA2x7FdB4ljyXbDCwCn4MaG2htfptxIx99rN0pu7iNZMvHWAIZH1DOwEdauBoCosoQAvD_BwE .
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