GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The Marshall County Commission met for the first time since the death of Chairman James Hutcheson on Wednesday.
The meeting began with a few heartfelt words about Hutcheson, bringing some to tears. His chair sits empty for the first time in nearly 15 years. His fellow commissioners had a lot to say about his character and hardworking nature.
“When I was appointed the vice chair, I knew it was going to be an easy job because he did not miss any meetings,” said Marshall County Commission Vice Chair Joey Baker.
Hutcheson lived in Marshall County for his entire life and was elected to the commission in 2010.Baker said it was a job he took very seriously.
“He lived the county life, and he loved the community,” Baker said.
Baker said Hutcheson believed in second chances and what they could mean. His focus was always on what could be done for the community he served.
“When I visited him several times in the hospital, he always said, ‘How are you? How is your family? What’s going on with the county?’” said Marshall County Commissioner Ronny Shumate.
Baker said Hutcheson’s number one goal as a commissioner was strengthening the county’s financial position.
“He did just that,” Baker said. “He left us in good shape.”
Outside of work, Hutcheson was a small business owner and cattle farmer.
“He was a good family man, too,” Baker said. “He loved his family.”
He leaves behind a wife, children and grandchildren.
Hutcheson oversaw a lot of changes in Marshall County, including renovations to both county courthouses, the jail, animal shelter and many county roads and bridges.
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