Hutch passed away on 24 January 2025 aged 81 after a long and interesting life. He had mainly achieved his life’s ambitions. He was a light aircraft instructor (after his stint in the US Navy) in Boulder, Colorado from 1964 – 1984. Then aged 42 after selling his other belongings, he embarked on a life of sailing and writing. After a few experimental sails he bought AMBIA (a 24ft Bristol Corsair Sloop.) He sailed and lived aboard AMBIA for 37 years (you can read his sailing adventures on this site.) Then he moved ashore in Carriacou, part of the Tri-Island state of Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique. He continued to have adventures and at the age of 78, he purchased an ebike and rode around the island.
Carriacou suffered a direct hit on 1st July 2024 by Hurricane Beryl a cat 4/5 hurricane. Hutch’s 1st floor apartment lost it’s roof and walls. Hutch sheltered in his washroom and survived. Around 95% of the housing in Carriacou was lost and Carriacou was declared a disaster area for 3 months. It was hard for everyone, but Hutch persevered and kitted out his 1st floor apartment with tarps, and used solar lighting, but it took it’s toll on his health. Hutch became frailer and suffered health issues and in January 2025 after a short stay in the Carriacou Hospital he was advised to go to Grenada for further treatment. Sadly after only a day or 2 in Grenada Hospital, Hutch passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Below are a few of the tributes that his friends wrote at his wake:-
Hutch –
Ahoy & Good Bye Old Friend!
Sails are furled & anchor is catted – only need to jump into that rainbow and get unstuck in time. It’s been a long row – meeting & befriending you made it all the easier. Curmudgeons together forever!
… take another trick at the wheel of some of some celestial ship and wave back to your friends
R.I.P.
John Smith
***
Respect: for my friend of many years. He met me at midnight on a very bad night in this bay. He came over to help me as a barge was bearing down on “Cassie”. Later on as neither of us would throw our butts overboard we laughed, became close friends & chess mates. Lots of talks on all subjects and comfortable just being together. Wherever you are, know you are missed.
Mina
***
Ah Hutch, my writing, reading, flying, sailing and electro-cycling friend. You led a fine life. Happy Voyages into the unknown.
Auly
***
I shall miss Hutch – his stories. I am a better person for having met him.
Rita Atkinson
***
Dear Hutch,
Gordon and I will always cherish the times we spent with you at Moonhole, Bequia.
Love
Judy and Gordon Evans
***
Hey Hutch!
We are busy celebrating on your behalf! Thanks for the drinks!
I will always remember you as a writer and enjoyed our conversations of the wordsmith clan. All the best and don’t accept any but a very pliant editor in your new abode.
Tango
***
Hutch,
Just feel so lucky to have known you.
Michael & Anne
***
You were part of our cohorts. Good Voyage.
Bill
***
Firstly, to say a gentleman and a scholar – Pleasant Guy – wish I knew him more.
***
Dear Hutch!
Have a good next voyage. Dinghy sailing was our thing!
I miss you out on the water!
Cheers
Angie
***
Dear Hutch
You were my favourite client. Your friendly personality always made my day. You will be dearly missed. May your sweet soul rest in eternal peace!!!
Love Vernelle
Your Attorney-at-Law
***
Dear Hutch!
Honour to have met you! Best guy to talk to and read your articles in “Compass” – the best ever!
We will miss you!
Cora & Stan
***
This guy was exceptional. I know him since 2000
***
Hutch
You are a good neighbour for 3 years, I appreciate it when you play harmonica and you like to have a talk. I remember how worry I was when after the hurricane, I get no news about you. You survived in the washroom , even I told you to go down in my home. Always you want to do what you want, that’s it!
Bye, bye Hutch, leave you in peace.
Genevieve Weber
PS Thankyou for your help about optimist class we did with Ted. You supported a lot with money and advice, thanks a lot!
***
Hutch, such a pleasure
***
Dear Hutch
I worked for you as your assistant for 3 years. I feel privileged to have been able to create this website to showcase your sailing adventures. It was a first for both of us!
I remember our many lively discussions about the world, the universe and everything! And of course we didn’t always agree!
I will never forget you!
Lorraine Seatle
***
James Loring Hutchinson
2nd September 1943 – 24th January 2025
Hutch wanted his ashes scattered in the sea, so a few of us went out in dinghies to scatter his ashes in Tyrrel Bay on 17 Feb, 25, where he and AMBIA had been for many years. He felt the lyrics of this song by Cat Stevens were fitting for his passing.
“Miles from nowhere
Not a soul in sight
Oh yeah, but it’s alright
I have my freedom
I can make my own rules
Oh yeah, the ones that I choose
Lord, my body has been a good friend
But I won’t need it when I reach the end.”
