Marshall Co. officials think about the legacy of Chairman James Hutcheson after his death

Marshall Co., Ala. (Waff) – Officials across Marshall County mourn the death of her long -time chairman of the Commission.

James Hutcheson died on Saturday morning at the age of 78.

Hutcheson had headed the Marshall County Commission since 2010. His employees described him as hard and resilient in his job, but friendly and caring for the people affected by his work.

“There is a difference between a public servant and a politician, and it's great when you have someone who really loves to serve his community. It's great if you have you as a guide,” said Rhonda McCoy. “He didn't need this job, but the job needed him. Marshall County needed him.”

McCoy worked as a Hutcheson assistant throughout his time. She says she saw how he did some things that the former district manager could not.

McCoy remembers Hutcheson to build a new bridge near double bridges, and his passion to put the first animal shelter in Marshall County into operation.

“He took care of the county as a whole. It was never because he wanted his name being chairman,” she said. “He wanted to make a difference and do it better, and he did that.”

McCoy says Hutcheson's legacy is reflected in his achievements and in his work morality.

Sheriff Phil Sims agrees.

“When he was sick, he came to work. He wanted to be there if someone came over to see him if someone needed something. He wanted to make sure he was there,” said Sims. “It was an outstanding quality he had was that he loved the county. He loved the job he did. He loved helping people.”

McCoy says that even when Hutcheson fought against cancer and knew that his time came to an end, he still wanted to serve so much of this last term that he could.

She believes that his family has not fully processed that he is gone, but they know that he is in a better place.

“It is difficult to watch someone they love when they know how strong they are and they know that they cannot repair him,” said McCoy.

“I think God allowed him to go out of this world exactly as he wanted.”

The deputy chairman Joey Baker is now temporarily responsible for Hutcheson until governor Ivey appoints a replacement.

The funeral arrangements are set for this Thursday in the Marshall County RSVP building in Guntersville.

The tour takes place at 11:30 a.m. and the funeral begins at 2 p.m.

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