James Henry Hudson

James Henry Hudson, of Springfield, MO, formally of Blytheville, peacefully entered the eternal presence of Jesus on March  25, 2022 with his family at his bedside. He was 100 years, 9 months, and 25 days young. Jim “The Barber” was born May 27, 1921 in Gibson County, TN to Albert Newton Hudson and Iba Love (Watson) Hudson.  Jim served in the Civilian Conservation Corp during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency.  He entered the Navy on August 20, 1942, serving honorably aboard the USS Pyro AE 24 Ammunition Ship.  Jim was in the South Pacific Theater during World War II.  He was Honorably Discharged on December 9, 1945.

Jim lived in the Blytheville area most all his life.  He relocated to Springfield, MO in December 2020 after the death of his son.  He owned and operated Jim’s Barber Shop from 1961 until September 2015, when he hung up his clippers at the age of 94.  He gave his first haircut in 1938 and always said that was the first customer he lost.  Jim’s memory was clear until his death, filled with fascinating stories of history he had witnessed.  In younger years, he was an avid fisherman and loved being in his boat on the water, even if he didn’t catch a fish.  He still enjoyed the outdoors and mowed his yard until July 2021.

Jim loved and lived for Jesus.  He never met a stranger, inquiring with everyone he met about their salvation.  Jim was always pleasant and looked for the good in everyone.  His family often referred to him as “The Born Again Barber.”  His greatest desire to see everyone saved by the Blood of Jesus.  He had a great faith in God and a boldness for His message. A longtime member of Bethany Baptist Church, he attended faithfully until March 2020 when the COVID pandemic began.  His favorite scripture was 1 John 5:13: “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” 

Jim was a wonderful husband and loving father. His family respected him greatly and sought his advice often.  He taught his children how to pray and seek God in all things.  He had a sense of humor that could keep you laughing for hours.  He treasured time he spent with his family and left so many memories to cherish.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Josephine Jarratt Hudson (2015); a daughter, Jimmy Louise Gardner (2013); his son, Mark A. Hudson (2020); and, a grandson, John David Stuckey (1998). The 3rd oldest of 10 children, he was the last surviving member of his family.

He leaves to hold his memories; two daughters, Donna Taylor (Jean Simone) of Phoenix, AZ; Janice (Keith) Cox, of Springfield, MO; two grandsons, Artie Taylor of Phoenix, AZ and Tony Stuckey of Blue Springs, MS; his favorite granddaughter, raised in the home, Robyn (Justin) Taft, of Springfield, MO; and special son-in-law, Larry Gardner of Booneville, MS.

Jim leaves a host of nieces and nephews, some of whom were very special to him; JoAnn Parish of Gosnell, AR; Leigh Kemp of Mount Pleasant, SC; Anita Frankin (Brian) and two girls, Allison and Savannah of Kemp, TX.  In addition, he leaves his sister’s daughters whom he lovingly referred to as “Edna’s Girls,” Joyce Malone, Ann George, Sue Shiffer, and Judy Edge. 

Jim leaves many friends and his Bethany Baptist Church Family. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Toni McGinnis, NP, Cox Health Buffalo, Compassus Hospice Care and Home Instead Senior Care of Springfield, MO for the loving care provided to Jim.  A special thanks to Bro. Gary Hyde, Bethany Baptist Members, Dena Terrell, Faye Griggs, and Linda Peterson for their Christian friendship to Bro. Jim for many years.

Services will be held at Bethany Baptist Church, 1227 State Highway 151, Gosnell, AR on Saturday, April 2nd at 1 pm. Visitation will be at the church from 10:30 until service time.  Burial with military honors will follow in Elmwood Cemetery in Blytheville, AR.  Bro. Gary Hyde will officiate services.  

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Saturday, April 2, 2022 10:30 AM

Bethany Baptist Church 1227 Airbase Hwy Gosnell, AR 72315

Saturday, April 2, 2022 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Bethany Baptist Church 1227 Airbase Hwy Gosnell, AR 72315

Saturday, April 2, 2022 2:15 PM - 2:30 PM

Elmwood Cemetery Division Street Blytheville, AR 72315

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