Kenneth J. Hutton

Born in Staten Island, NY on April 21,1950 but moved to NJ as a toddler. Jim attended St. Cecelia’s School in Iselin, NJ during his elementary years. He began his high school years at St. Joe’s in Metuchen, NJ but graduated from JFK High School in Woodbridge Township, NJ. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Trenton State College and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Education from Rutgers University.

Jim was a special education teacher for many years, educating young people at the Middlesex County Educational Services Commission, North Jersey Child Development Center in Cedar Knolls, NJ and ending his career in the Jamesburg Public School system where he was once honored as Teacher of the Year.

During Jim’s life he spent his time playing guitar, reading and traveling. He played lead guitar in a band named The Dawgz during the 1960’s. He continued to regularly play the guitar well into his adult life. He enjoyed traveling with Jackie. Ready for an adventure, he never let life’s challenges hold him back. Memorable trips to Europe, the Caribbean and completing travel to all 50 states provided an abundance of memories and pleasure.

As a kind, quiet and gentle soul; everyone Jim met touched his heart and helped him find joy in life. If you are here today and reading this, you were one of those people. “Hope for the best…plan for the worst” became a motto by which he lived his life. The family asks that you not dwell on the sadness of his passing, but remember the tenacity to persevere through all the medical challenges he faced with dignity, an incredibly positive attitude and grace.

Jim is predeceased by his parents, Kenneth and Eileen Hutton, nephew Stephen Hutton Jr. , Sister-in-law Frances Hutton and Brother-in laws Keith Smith and Roosevelt Hughes and Mother-in-law Thelma Smith . He is survived by his loving wife, Jacqueline Hutton and their sweet little dog, Gillie who was the absolute apple of Jim’s eye and with him during his passing. He is also survived by his brother Steve Hutton and his wife Pat; sister Noreen Mancini and her husband Vince; brother Robert;Sister-in-law Patricia Hughes, and Father-in-law Ernest Smith. He is survived by his nieces and nephews: Michael/Kim Mancini (Ella, Audrey, Liam); Melissa/John Hope (Leo, Owen); Andrew Hutton; Eric/Jess Hutton (Cameron); Stephanie Hutton/Joe Zelenenki; Cheyanne Reesman (Robert/Sarah/Anderson, Sabrina); Sonya/ Ralph Cooper (Jaelynn, Ralph IV); Dakota Smith; Shannon Smith/Albert Gray ( Alexander, Aria); Patrick Incanella (Patrick Jr.); Robert Incanella/Vickie Rodriguez (Anthony, Isabella). He is also survived by a host of loving relatives, friends and neighbors.

A visitation for Kenneth J. will be held Sunday, March 16, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at McCracken Funeral Home, 1500 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083. A funeral service will occur Monday, March 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM, 1500 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083. A live stream of funeral service will occur Monday, March 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM. A graveside service will occur Monday, March 17, 2025 at Graceland Memorial Park & Mausoleum, 1801 Galloping Hill Rd, Kenilworth, NJ 07033.