James Richard
Hudgins, Sr., age 87 of Chesterton, IN, born August 23, 1932, in Valparaiso,
IN, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2020 at Porter Regional Hospital.
He is preceded in
death by his parents Elmer and Clarabelle (Shultz) Hudgins, his first wife
Arlene June (Michaels) Hudgins of 40 years, and brother Kenneth Hudgins.
He is survived by
his loving wife, Beverly (Shafer) Hudgins of Chesterton, IN, his sisters,
Judy Morrell of Kokomo, IN, Karen Metsker of Plymouth, IN, Shirley Hudgins
of Valparaiso, IN, his children Sharon Nelson of Chesterton, IN. (husband
Randy), James R. Hudgins Jr. of Valparaiso, IN, (wife Karen), Susan Balas of
Rockford, MI, (husband Craig), Mark Hudgins of Vicksburg, MI (wife
Danielle), his stepchildren: Carol Bookwalter of Fishers, IN (husband Brad),
Susie McKnight of Buffalo, NY; and blessed with 15 grandchildren and 15
great-grandchildren.
Jim proudly served
his country in the United States Navy from 1950-1954, where he was a
Radarman aboard the USS Hickox. He received the Korean Service and United
Nations Medal for his tireless efforts.
After returning
home from the military, he was employed at Bailly Generating Station (NIPSCO),
where he was an Instrument and Controls Supervisor for many years. He was a
longtime member of the Chesterton United Methodist Church. Jim was also a
member of several clubs, such as: The Tin Can Sailors-Destroyer Veterans,
The American Legion Post 170, and of The Lions Club, where he was a past
Volunteer of the Year recipient.
Due to the COVID-19
pandemic and for the safety of the family and the community at large, a
Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Private family services
will be held this week, with burial in the Chesterton Cemetery.
Professional
arrangements are entrusted to the White-Love Funeral Home, Chesterton, IN.