James Peter "J.P." Hutchinson Jr., husband of Lynn Davis Hutchinson, passed away Thursday, March 8, 2018, after a brief illness.
Jay was born April 22, 1947, in Huntington, W.Va., the son of Harriett Moss Hutchinson and the late James Hutchinson.
Baptized at age 9 at Westmoreland Baptist Church, Jay was a committed servant at First Baptist Church of Ashland. He served First Baptist in various capacities as a Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, Trustee, as well as a small group leader and Shepherd. He was also actively involved in the Upward Basketball ministry for over 10 years and loved singing in the choir.
He was a graduate of Vinson High School, Berea College, received his Masters of Education at Marshall University and Principal Certificate at Morehead State University. Jay was an educator at both Boyd County Schools and Ashland Independent Schools. He was a coach and teacher at Cooper Elementary, assistant principal and principal at Boyd County High School, principal at Paul Blazer High School and teacher and assistant principal at Verity Middle School.
He was an avid volunteer for the Ashland community. Jay was a member of Ashland Breakfast Kiwanis Club, serving as president and board member. One of his favorite programs with Kiwanis was the "BUG" program in four different elementary schools.
In addition, Jay volunteered for the Youth Education Series program at the Paramount Arts Center, where he enjoyed greeting the children as they exited their buses. He enjoyed touching the lives of children not only through his educational positions but also through his community volunteer service. He also volunteered for various organizations such as CASA.
Jay enjoyed meeting with his R.O.M.E.O. group that met every Friday at various restaurants where they discussed how to solve the problems of the world.
Although a native West Virginian and graduate of Berea College, he became an avid University of Kentucky basketball and football fan.
Jay is survived by two sons, Jason Hutchinson (Jennifer) of Cincinnati, Ohio and Andrew Bowling (Ondine) of Lexington; one daughter, Julie Kale (Paul) of Taylorsville, N.C.; six grandsons, Hunter Kale, Ryan Smith, Peyton, Landon, Camdon and Jon Asher Hutchinson; a host of extended family and friends; and his mother, Harriett Hutchinson of Huntington, W.Va.
He will be missed by his four-legged family, Gracie the cat and the dogs, Duffner and Lucy.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at First Baptist Church in Ashland with words of comfort provided by Rev. Dr. Steve Willis, Rev. Dr. Jason Hutchinson and Rev. Adam Smith.
Burial will be in White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Barboursville, W.Va.
Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Ashland.
Steen Funeral Homes in Ashland are in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to steenfuneralhome.com.
