Longtime Bainbridge Island resident James Porter Hutchinson, age 77, died Sept. 23 at Island Health and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born Aug. 18, 1925 in Spruce Pine, N.C. to Samuel and Elizabeth (Harrison) Hutchinson.

Following his formal education, James served in the Navy four years during WWII.

While in Bremerton during the war, he met his future bride, Joyce Barbara Corcoran. They were married on May 3, 1946 and spent the rest of their lives in the Northwest.

He led a career as a landscape gardener. He was also a foreman for the Seattle Public School District, and was later head gardener at the Bloedel Estate for 18 years.

He is survived by five sons: James of Shelton, Allen of Seattle, David of Grapeview, John of Bremerton, and Richard of Puyallup; five daughters: Diana Taylor, Kathy Myhre and Sammie Jo Hutchinson of Bainbridge Island, Linda Wright of Seattle and Nola Hutchinson of Oklahoma; his brother Raymond, of Montana; four sisters: Hazel Candle of Florida; Deane Burks of Columbia, S.C., Amelia Baker of Elka Park, N.Y. and Sammie Jo Lass of Tennessee; 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

His wife, Joyce, preceded him in death in 1990.

At his request, no services will be held. Arrangements are under the direction of Kass Funeral Home, Bainbridge Island.