James Earl "Jack" "Slim" Hudson
Mar 9, 1933 - Apr 24, 2015
Posted by: Ann Weber

He was born on March 9, 1933 in Trousdale, Oklahoma. His parents were Raymond Hudson and Jessie Williams (Hudson). James also known as “Jack” or “Slim” by his friends, grew up in Lexington and attended Lexington schools. At the age of 17, he enlisted into the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict. After being honorably discharged he later married Loretta June Bayless, a young girl whom he met in California. They were married on February 13, 1954 in Phoenix, Arizona. Together James and Loretta raised four sons; Clint, Ronnie, Danny and Mark. They first lived in California where James began working as a fireman at the Lemoore Naval Air Station. A few years later he moved back to Lexington, Oklahoma and transferred to the fire station at Tinker Air Force Base in Del City. Over the next 40 years, James enjoyed starting new business adventures with his wife and sons. He owned and operated the Hud’s Drive Inn and the Hud’s Kwik Korner in Lexington. He owned Slims Resort at Grand Lake, he started Oklahoma Tank Cleaning Company and he rebuilt wrecked and totaled-out vehicles. There was nothing he couldn’t do if he wanted to do it. He enjoyed being outdoors and working with his hands, doing all kinds of carpentry work and working on old cars and motorcycles. After Loretta passed away on Feb. 7, 1997, James later met and married Virginia Sue Jones. They were married on November 29, 1997. For the past 17 years they lived in various towns including Lexington, Locust Grove and Purcell before moving to Roger, Arkansas in June of 2014. James was a member of the Lexington Church of Christ for many years before joining the 9th and Pierce Church of Christ in Purcell. After moving to Roger, Arkansas he became a member of the Cave Springs Church of Christ. Throughout his life his greatest joy was tinkering on old cars, motorcycles and boats. He also enjoyed traveling. He traveled nearly 73,000 miles in his motorhome and 500,000 miles on his motorcycle. While married to Sue they traveled 17,000 miles together on his motorcycle. James loved his family and they loved him, spending time with them was special. He will be remembered for his great sense of dry humor and his great smile.

He was preceded in death by: His parents, Raymond and Jessie Hudson; First wife, Loretta June Hudson;

He is survived by: Wife, Sue Hudson of the home in Rogers, AR; Four sons, Clint Hudson and wife Becky of Lindsay, Ronnie Hudson and wife Janet of Purcell, Danny Hudson of Lexington, Mark Hudson of Lexington; Two stepsons, Steve Jones and wife Terri of Broken Arrow, OK, Scott Jones and wife Belva of Caves Springs, AR; Three Brothers, Deward Hudson and wife Ila of Wanette, Darrel Hudson of Lexington, Jimmy Hudson and wife Teri of Purcell; One sister, Barbara Croslin and husband Clifford of Lexington; 7 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 2 step-great grandchildren. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Monday, April 27, 2015 at 9th and Pierce Church of Christ in Purcell. Interment will be at the Lexington Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell on Sunday 4-26-15 from 7-8pm.