Lorne D. "Jim" Hutton
Lorne D. "Jim" Hutton, 92, surrounded by this family passed away Aug. 19, 2024.
Jim was born a 3-pound baby May 9, 1932, on the Hutton family homestead. Delivered by his father after his mother went into labor while planting potatoes on Mother's Day that year.
This 3-pound baby that was born with a heart murmur was told his chances of living were very slim. His mama wrapped him tight and made him a bed in a boot box. He was a "true fighter" until his final breath at age 92.
He was given the name "Jim" by his mother, soon after being able to talk because of his love for "Sunny Jim" peanut butter.
Because of his struggles in school with the heart murmur he went through the eighth grade.
He became a big part of helping out on the ranch being No. 4 of the 16 Hutton children. Making money as a kid he would push his "push mower" five miles to town, mowing yards for whatever people were able to pay.
Lawn mowing was his passion. Most of his life working two jobs and at times mowing three other families yards.
In 1950, he went to work for J. Neils Lumber Co. until 1956 when he received his dream job of a heavy equipment operator for Zonolite which was formerly known as W.R. Grace. Jim loved the job where he worked 35 years until 1990 when was forced to retire because the company shut down.
He would tell you how much he loved working for the company and refused to file a lawsuit with them even though he struggled to breathe the last few years of life. Jim said "that company was good to me, fed my family and I loved doing what I was doing." We his children never heard him speak a bad word against them.
In 1954, he married Ruth Shriner. Even after divorcing in 1972, he and Ruth continued to raise their children, Joanne, Lorne and Christy together. He was ever so proud of his children and always wanted what was best for them.
Jim is survived by his three children, Joanne Burley (Jerry), Lorne Hutton (Dimitria) and Christy Gilbertson. His brother, Montana Hutton, two sisters Judy Tulleners and Margie Johnson, and best friend/ companion "sweetheart" Elvira Orsborn.
He is survived by five grandchildren, Jill Kuntz (Devin), Jamie Worden (Billy), Melissa O'Neil (Blake), Ashley Gassett (Garrett) and Josh Miller (Jourdan), and five step grandchildren, Kristen Hamburg (Brandon), Branden Burley (Courtney), Shelden Burley (Hailey), Kaitlen Burley (Dallas) and Shayne Miller.
He is also survived by nine great-grandchildren, Alaina and Wes Kuntz, Elodie Craver, Charlee and Cooper Worden, Ryleigh O'Neil and Addisyn, Emma and Colt Gassett, and nine step great-grandchildren, Evan, Avery and Grayson Hamburg, Brantley and Colton Burley, Tehgan and Quinn Burley and Finley and Lincoln Ochoa.
Also survived by 60-plus nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by mother, Evelyn Hutton and father Harold Hutton, ex-wife Ruth Hutton, brothers, Chuck, Donald, Jack, Larry, Kenny, Maurice and Cleve and sisters, Jean, Ardith, Betty, Sue and Ray.
We will have a celebration of life for our dad and welcome anyone who would like to join us from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 21, 2024, at the family Hutton property on Hutton Drive off of Bobtail Road in Libby.
Please join us by bringing a lawn chair, favorite memory, "wienie roast" with Dad's favorite dishes.