Our beloved Dr. James “Jim” Albert Hutchby, 84, died peacefully, while in the warm, loving care of his family and the caregivers at the S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House in Mooresville, N.C., on Sunday November 24, 2024.
Jim was born in Newport, R.I., on October 30, 1940, to George and Alice (McGannon) Hutchby. He lost both his parents by the age of 21, leaving his seven younger siblings in the care of the Catholic Orphanage in Raleigh, N.C. Jim worked hard to earn his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University in 1964 and went on to earn his M.S. and PhD degrees in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1966 and 1969. He was a life-long learner, asked lots of questions and loved helping his community.
Jim started his career with NASA (National Aeronautics Space Administration) at Langley Air Force Base in Newport News, Va., working on many projects, including the first Solar Cell project. There are still satellites using his technology in use today. After NASA, he moved to Raleigh, N.C., to lead the Semiconductor Program for RTI (Research Triangle Institute). He continued his career as Director of Device Sciences with SRC (Semiconductor Research Corporation). He was an IEEE Life Fellow, and he founded and chaired the Emerging Research Device Group for the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS). He published over 140 contributed and invited papers in scientific journals and co-authored university textbooks, including his last, “Emerging Nanoelectronics Devices” (still available on Amazon). His work made a large impact on the world of technology/device sciences and how we use our devices today.
A proud son of God, Jim loved his family, held a passion for helping others and serving his community in Raleigh, N.C. He co-founded the Emmaus House of Raleigh in 1986, which started by providing safe, affordable housing for homeless men that transformed into providing safe, affordable housing for men rebuilding from substance addiction. Emmaus House now has seven homes. There are many other stories to tell about how Jim helped the least and the lost during his lifetime.
Jim attended Pullen Memorial Babtist Church for most of his adult life. He enjoyed canoeing the New River, trips to many countries, rafting through the Grand Canyon and offshore fishing with the boys.
Jim is survived by his wife Jane Clark Hutchby of West Chester, Ohio; his former wife, Elizabeth Reavis Hutchby of Chapel Hill, N.C., and their children, John Hutchby of Black Mountain, N.C., Eric Hutchby (Beth) of Mooresville, N.C., and five grandchildren, Kate Hutchby, Emily Hutchby, William Hutchby, Jack Hutchby and Charles Hutchby; and his sister, Dolores Castrovilly. He is also survived by and adored Jane’s children and families, Gwen Pace (Jeff), Heather McGee (Bill) and Brad Clark (Kira).
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Dean Hutchby, Donna Guy, Daniel Hutchby, Craig Voelkle, Cathleen Buzzell, Craig Hutchby, Caroline Hutchby, and Richard Hutchby.
A celebration of life for Jim will be held at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, 1801 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, N.C., on Friday, December 13, at 12 noon with a reception to follow.
Memorial donations may be made to Emmaus House, PO Box 27585, Raleigh NC 27611.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Hutchby family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.