James J. (Jim) Hutsell was born at home in Lindsey Switch, Arkansas to Jess Rufus Hutsell and Eulah Mae Wiles Hutsell on November 4, 1936. On March 17, 2024 he joined his parents, his brother Lloyd Hutsell and his sister Geraldine Hutsell Ward in his eternal heavenly home.

Jim attended grades 1-8 in a one-room schoolhouse in Hoxie, Arkansas. When his father became ill Jim quit school to take care of the family farm . He went on to receive his GED. In

1957 he went into the U S Army and was stationed in Verdun, France with the 97th engineers. Later that year the Red Cross helped to bring him back to Arkansas due to Hardship. Jim returned to help his family and keep them from losing their farm. Once again he showed his devotion and love for his family.

He completed his military service in the USAR and was honorably discharged in 1961.

In the following years Jim worked various jobs. One of those jobs was classing cotton for the federal government. He went to Washington to meet with members of congress regarding working conditions. Then in 1971 he got his real estate license and went to work at Fairfield Bay selling resort properties. He excelled and received numerous sales awards. It was at Fairfield Bay that Jim met the love of his life, Elizabeth Davis. They were introduced by a mutual friend who described Jim as one of the really nice guys. She agreed he really was a nice guy and they were married in August of 1979.

Despite his successful real estate career Jim had always wanted to have his own business and in 1980 that opportunity came and he opened his first Colortyme Rent-to-Own franchise. He and Elizabeth went on to open over 25 stores across the country. Jim was an entrepreneur and visionary who was always looking for other business opportunities. He purchased the Ozark Mill from Lee Hawkins. At that time it was the only operational water powered mill in Missouri. He later sold it to Johnny Morris. After 25 years of successfully working together he and Elizabeth retired. Elizabeth credits their success to Jim’ s vision and belief that the marriage always came before the business.

Over the years Jim enjoyed many hobbies including traveling the country in his RV, meeting new friends wherever he went and seeing many beautiful sites across the US. But his favorite way to spend his time was at their hunting farm in Cabool. He loved to ride his tractor, plant fields for the deer, host friends for deer season and make his favorite barbecue.

The most important thing Jim ever did was in 1990. He accepted the Lord, Jesus Christ as his personal savior and was baptized at Second Baptist Church. He loved the Lord, he loved his church and was a faithful and active member. Jim always looked forward to ushering and greeting everyone on Sunday mornings.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth, a sister Joyce Hutsell Porter, and a brother Jerry Hutsell and his wife Sandra.

Services for Jim will be at 11:00 am Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Greenlawn Funeral Home East. Interment will follow at Rivermonte Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 am Thursday prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable contributions in memory of Jim Hutsell be made to Brain Support Network, PO Box 7264, Menlo Park, CA 94026.