Jim Hutson Scholarship Fund

Jim Hutson was born in 1968 to James (JC) and Norma (Cookie) Hutson. He grew up in Batesville, Indiana and was instilled with a love for God, his family and gospel music. Jim’s Mother’s family group; “The Woods Family” traveled locally for several years. Jim’s Dad’s family attended “singing schools” in the south. Music was in his blood! Jim helped form “The New Generation” in 1985. The group recorded 10 projects. Jim was the baritone and emcee for the group. During his high school years, he performed in the Batesville High School Choir from 1984-1987. He also enjoyed performing in several of the school plays. After “The New Generation” disbanded in 1994, Jim performed with several gospel artists; including “The Singing Sands” in the coming years. In 2001, he helped form “The Woodsmen Quartet.” Jim would serve as baritone/lead vocalist as well as emcee the group. “The Woodsmen” performed all across the nation and on the main stage at “The National Quartet Convention” on numerous occasions. They recorded multiple projects and also released several songs on gospel radio. Jim also recorded several albums as a solo artist. He began deejaying on gospel radio in the early 1990’s. His love and knowledge of gospel music and its artists made him a favorite among listeners. He was awarded “The Golden Mic Award” from “The Singing News Magazine” in 2015. He was also nominated for “Favorite Gospel Music DJ” several times at “The Singing News Magazine Fan Awards.” Jim’s radio catchphrase of “Crank It Up!” still echoes with listeners to WYGS Gospel Radio. Jim had a serious motorcycle wreck in 2009. His testimony of God’s rehabilitation and restoration inspired people to “fight on.” He was inducted into the Southeastern Indiana Musicians Hall Of Fame in 2024. While those accomplishments were special to him, what he loved most was his family. He and Mary Alice Hutson raised 4 wonderful sons and had 5 grandchildren. Jim was a hands-on husband, Dad and Papaw. Sadly, Jim passed in January 2024 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Jim’s life and legacy continues on through his family and his music.