Jim Hutson:
CLASS OF 1961
Rincon High SchoolClass of 1961
Tucson, AZ
Tucson High SchoolClass of 1961
Tucson, AZ
Messick High SchoolClass of 1961
Memphis, TN
Alice Vail Junior High SchoolClass of 1956
Tucson, AZ
Lowell H. Smith Elementary SchoolClass of 1955
Tucson, AZ
Jim's Story
Life
I have re-invented myself many times during my life. When my Dad retired in 1958 the family moved to Memphis. The culture in Memphis was much different than that of Tucson. I felt the need to fit in, so I changed my style. In Tucson I suppose I was a bit of a "greaser". That did'nt work in Memphis. I became Mr. Well Groomed. I kept this appearance for many years. Ok, there was more to adapting to the new culture than a change in the way I looked.HATE was included in the fabric of this culture. Not what I was taught by my parents, church or the culture I had been exposed to in other places I had lived. I did less adapting than I did keeping my ideas to myself. "You ain't from around here, are you, Boy?" I had little problem going where I wanted to go in Memphis. Places that other people of my ethnic background would never consider. Like "black" nightclubs. I had no problems enjoying the black musical artists of the time. I made the best of this hate base culture. In the seventies, I had become unhappy about who I was, so I reinvented my self again. Just a subtle change. From well groomed to no grooming...Expand for more
, long hair,long beard, well worn clothes. I even gave myself a new name.Bluebeard. I wanted to use all the skills learned at THS and RHS Vocational Arts Depts. I taught myself how to paint. No, not houses,not canvas, but motorcycles. Custom Motorcycles. Choppers. I not only painted but built many choppers over the next five years. As the chopper"thing" started to wane, I expanded my skills and began to paint custom vans, show and race cars, and race boats.
I was forunate to have some of my efforts featured in nationally published magizines. Hot Rod, Mustang Quarterly, Big Bike and Choppers. As far as my working life has gone, these were the best years of my life.
Things got bad, then things got worse...in the early eighties the economy sagged. My speciality was not a neccessity, it was a luxury. People started holding on to thier money. I needed work. I began working for other people, repairing collision damaged cars. Not fun, but I had a son to raise. I worked in the Auto collision repair business until I retired in 2002.
No more "fame", not much fortune, but I was able to provide for my son and myself.
Register for Free to view all details!
Reunions
Register for Free to view all events!
Photos
