Jimmie Ray "Jim" Hudson, cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away in Branson, Missouri on April 20, 2024, at the age of 77.

Jim was born on May 10, 1946 in Shawnee, Oklahoma to the late William and Bessie Hudson. He graduated from Shawnee High School in 1964 and furthered his education at the University of Oklahoma’s School of Business and Banking. In his early career, he worked with GEX as the shoe department manager. His career transitioned to working as a sales representative for Norwesco before starting his own company JB Associates with his partner designing and selling polyethylene agriculture tanks. Jim’s outgoing demeanor, confidence, knowledge and reliability made him a natural in sales and establishing great customer relationships. His hard work and business prowess also helped him achieve his goal of early retirement. 

Jim had proudly served in the United States Air Force Reserves. He had many interests including being an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed pheasant, bear, and duck hunting. He loved fishing and his fishing camp in Canada was the scene of countless happy memories shared with friends and clients.  Jim was a sports fanatic as well, passionate about golf, Nascar, and OU Sooner Football. He also enjoyed traveling the open road, both as a motorcyclist and a vintage automobile enthusiast.

Those who knew Jim will fondly remember his great sense of humor. He had the ability to tell the best jokes and stories, ensuring that he left everyone around him with a smile. His social nature and genuine friendliness earned him the title of the "favorite uncle" and helped him create lifelong friendships.

Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Deborah Hudson; his daughter, Cammy Harrison and her husband, Tom of Branson; his grandchildren, Jayme Fitzsimmons, Zachary Fitzsimmons, Alicia Alvarez, and Alexis Alvarez; and his great-grandchildren, Jax Fitzsimmons, Crue Fitzsimmons, Kendrix Alvarez, Lennix Alvarez, and Relix Alvarez Bocanegra.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Bessie Hudson; his son, Jay Hudson; his sisters, Bessie May Stephens and Billie "June" Garver; nephews, Otis Hibbard, Kent Hibbard; and niece Renee Gibson.

Jim will be remembered as a beloved husband, father and grandfather, a successful businessman, a dependable friend, and a great man who was funny, intelligent and passionate.

His life will be celebrated on Sunday, June 23, 2024 beginning at 2:30 p.m. at the Branson Community Center, 201 Compton Dr., Branson, MO.

Cremation arrangements were in the care of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory, Branson.