James R. Hutchison

James Russell Hutchison MD, age 87, peacefully passed away to his heavenly home surrounded by his loving family on May 25, 2024. He was born on October 20,1936 in Johnstown, PA., the son of James Robinson Hutchison and Helen Pound Hutchison. He was an accomplished obstetrician/gynecologist serving patients in New Mexico for more than 50 years. Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sue Acklin Hutchison. Jim and Sue are the parents of three children, daughter Sharon married to Paul Leslie of Dallas, Texas, daughter Leslie married to Edward Laswell of Fort Worth,Texas and son Jim Hutchison married to Jennifer Lamb of Lander, Wyoming. They have six grandchildren, Meghan and spouse Jay Baumgardner, John and spouse Shannon Leslie, Kendall Leslie, Gage Laswell, Matthew Laswell, Bennett Hutchison; and two great grandchildren. Jim was a devoted husband, father, physician, friend, colleague, teacher, Rotarian and golf partner. His dry wit and devotion to those he kept in the fold will be sorely missed.

He completed his early education in Johnstown, PA. His interests were divided between football, basketball, playing drums in a jazz band and membership in Key Club. After three eye surgeries at the age of nine he decided that he wanted to become a physician. In 1954 he graduated from high school and then attended the University of Pittsburgh. He graduated Magna cum Laude in 1958 and was a member of the pre-medical honor society, Alpha Epsilon Delta and Phi Beta Kappa.

While attending University of Pittsburgh Medical School he met and married Sue Acklin, the beautiful blond he first saw from a distance at a Pitt dance, even selling his beloved medical school microscope to help purchase her engagement ring. He graduated from medical school with honors and was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.

Following medical school he was accepted for medical residency training as a commissioned officer in the US Army Medical Corps. The next five years included medical internship, a year of general surgery residency and three years of ob/gyn training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. He was a board certified obstetrician and gynecologist. During his time in the military and during his practice he delivered more than 6,000 babies. Jim and Sue enjoyed nine years of active military duty including living in multiple states. He resigned his US Army commission with a rank of Lt. Colonel to accept a private practice opportunity with Drs. Wiggins, McCaughey and Vanderhor in Albuquerque, NM

Jim was recognized for his leadership in his profession and the community both nationally and locally. This was reflected during his association with Presbyterian Healthcare Services where he was Department Chief for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Director and Vice President of Medical Staff Affairs. He received the Rev. Hugh A. Cooper Award (2006) for Superior Healthcare Delivery and Service to the Community. Nationally he was an active member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) and held positions on the committee of Professional Liability, Grievance Committee and Quality of Care Program. He was the recipient of the 1994 ACOG District VIII Distinguished Service Award. He was a dedicated volunteer for over 45 years as a clinical professor in the Department of OB/GYN at the UNM School of Medicine. He was honored by the department 15 years in a row with the annual volunteer faculty award which was then named for him in 2017.

In retirement Jim enjoyed golf at the Albuquerque Country Club and the loyal community of friends who sustained him during his health challenges. He also loved fly fishing, wood working, and spending time with his children and grandchildren who lovingly called him "Grumpy". He was a member of Rotary Club of Albuquerque, a member of the Board of Directors and had the opportunity to head the division on community service which included the Child's Garden at the ABQ BioPark Zoo, the Literacy Committee for book donations and tutoring and High School Student Recognition Committee and Meals on Wheels. He also served in various board of directors positions including the Greater Albuquerque Medical Association, New Mexico Medical Reserve Corp where he served as a two week medical volunteer during Hurricane Katrina at two shelters where he helped serve the medical needs of up to 6,000 displaced evacuees in the New Orleans area, UNM School of Medicine Admissions Committee and New Mexico Physicians Mutual Liability Committee. He was a 45 year member and elder at First Presbyterian Church, Albuquerque. He was also a primate consultant at ABQ BioPark Zoo and once performed a cesarian section delivery of an orangutan and traveled to Los Angeles to perform infertility studies on a gorilla at the Los Angeles Zoo.

Our family would like to recognize and give special thanks to Dr. Beth Saltzman and the compassionate nurses and staff at Presbyterian Hospital. They carried us through an incredibly difficult time with love, patience, reassurance and grace. In addition we are also very grateful for the love and support of many neighbors and friends who sustained us in Jim's last few months.

A memorial service will be held Friday, July 26, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church 215 Locust Street, NE, followed by a reception at the church. Remembrances in his memory can be made to Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation, P.O. Box 26666, Albuquerque, NM 87125-6666 or the charity of your choice. Please visit our online guestbook for Jim at www.FrenchFunerals.com