James C. Hutton

James C. Hutton, 85, husband of Ann Hawkins Hutton of Hamden, passed away at the Whitney Center on July 14, 2026. Born in Rochester, NY in 1940 to the late Charles A. and Maxine Fowler Hutton, Jim grew up on a dairy farm in Churchville, NY. There he had an idyllic childhood, growing up alongside many animal companions, notably his pony, Trigger, and dog, Rover. He attended Churchville-Chili High School, where he played basketball, later graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a degree in mechanical engineering, and received his Master’s in Engineering (PE) from the University of Rochester.

It was during his time at RPI that he met his wife Ann, after following his mother’s advice to “Call up that Hawkins girl.” Jim and Ann married in 1963, immediately followed by Jim beginning his service in the U.S. Air Force, first stationed in Rantoul, IL, then later New Castle, NH, Vietnam, and Riverside, CA. Upon finishing his service, they settled in Fairport, NY, where he began a 40-year career at Rochester Gas & Electric as a mechanical engineer.

One of Jim’s greatest passions began at the age of five, when he received his first Lionel train for Christmas. This gift sparked a lifelong interest in trains, amassing quite the collection of train sets and memorabilia over the years, including massive layouts in the basement of the family homes in Fairport, Pittsford, and Avon, and a smaller layout in the lobby of the Whitney Center that entertained visitors, especially during the Christmas season with his Polar Express and Christmas village sets.

Jim also enjoyed spending time outdoors, raising his daughters camping and hiking in the Adirondack Mountains. An avid cyclist, he would often ride along the Farmington Canal Greenway and throughout Vermont with Ann.

In his later years, Jim remained an active veteran, organizing Veteran’s Day events at the Whitney Center, speaking at local schools, even participating in an Honor Flight just a few years ago. His favorite role, however, was being a proud grandfather to his four grandchildren, never missing a football, softball, or volleyball game and regatta.

Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ann Hawkins Hutton; daughters, Victoria Hutton Wilson of Bridgeport and Amanda Hutton of Glastonbury; four grandchildren, Julia Wilson and Colin Wilson of New York, NY, Danielle Forte of Wethersfield, and Andrew Forte of Albuquerque, NM; sister, Joan Hutton-Seward of Greenville, SC; and seven nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Barbara Alexander.

Burial with Military Honors will take place on August 21st in Fairfield Cemetery, Spencerport, NY. A Memorial Service at the Whitney Center in Hamden is being planned for a later date. To send condolences to Jim’s family, please see his obituary at www.beecherandbennett.com.