William J. Hutchings

Portland - William "Jim" Hutchings, Jr., 74, died on Thursday, October 21, 2021. Jim was born in Portland, son of Ruth C. and William J. Hutchings, Sr., owners of Meloon's Florist Company. Jim was a graduate of Portland High School and the University of New Hampshire. Jim started his career in the seafood industry and owned and operated a lobster company out of Boston, Mass. In 2006, he sold that business and returned to Portland, Maine. The following year he was faced with a cancer diagnosis. Jim believed in being his own medical advocate as well as helping others navigate the difficult process of treatment. Jim loved nature in all forms. When he was young, he loved hiking Mt. Washington, including the Lion's Head Trail and the Caps Ridge Trail. A famous line came from these hiking adventures, "God Give me Strength." It made the climb easier. As a child, Jim's family spent summers down at Little Diamond Island. As a small boy, he would rush down to the island's beach and jump into the ocean, still in his street clothes, too impatient and excited to wait for the unpacking of a swimsuit. Jim loved boating on Lake Winnipesaukee and golfing. Jim liked to garden, planting and watching his plants grow, witnessing the magic he called "God's Green Thumb." Winter brought ski trips to New Hampshire, Maine, or Vermont. Jim fondly remembered times at Killington, including the 'Toe Wobbly Barn" and apres skiing. Jim also had a wild side. During the winter time, he would take his car with friends and go through snow drifts of freshly fallen powder, watching the snow blast in all directions. Jim loved watching the Patriots, going to musicals, concerts and summer stock theaters. He loved listening to the "oldies" while driving around town or on his trips throughout New England. He had an adventurous spirit and loved exploring. During the autumn months there was always a drive to Cathedral Ledge in North Conway, New Hampshire, to see the glorious foliage and the beauty of the mountains. He loved traveling farther afield, as well, and got great joy from seeing Napa Valley, Key West, and New York City and sampling all sorts of wonderful food. Jim was known as a foodie, delighting in a lobster roll at Barnacle Billy's or Old Orchard Beach's famous pier fries. Cooking was one of his many hobbies and passions. Jim adored his cats, Coleman and J.J., who would look for Jim and support him whenever he returned from cancer treatments. Jim loved to laugh and have great times with friends. He had his share of loves in his life, but God was the true force and he found comfort in faith and prayer when his mother fell ill. He took many happy memories of her as he departed this life. William would like you all to know, "I lived a great life, and my soul is free, I am in God's kingdom." John 11, "He who believes in me will never perish." Jim was predeceased by his parents, Ruth C. and William J. Hutchings, Sr; a sister, Arlene Carroll; and his beloved grandmother, Mable "Nana" R. Cushing. He is survived by his half-brother, Donald Hutchings; nephews, Andrew, Jeremy, and Christopher Hutchings; and dear friends. A special thank you goes out to Jeff Kingsbury and Steve Conway for their support and friendship. A Funeral service will be held at 4PM, on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at the Samuel Wilde Chapel, Evergreen Cemetery, 672 Stevens Avenue, Portland. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of Portland, 172 State Street.