James Wilson Hudgins

James (Jim) Wilson Hudgins, 83, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on April 26, 2026. He was born on January 30, 1943, in Weatherford, Texas. He grew up in Granbury, TX, and retired in Benbrook, TX, in 2008.

Jim proudly served our country in the United States Air Force for 8-1/2 years. He relocated to Fort Worth, TX, where he enjoyed competing in chili and barbecue cookoffs. Jim met his wife of 39 years, Melinda, at a chili cookoff in the Fort Worth Stockyards. Jim was an avid college sports fan, and college football season was his favorite time of the year. He especially loved watching his TCU Horned Frogs. Jim loved taking road trips and also enjoyed cruising with his family. In 2023, Jim and Melinda moved to Jacksonville, FL, to be closer to their daughter. Jim loved his family and was a devoted husband and father.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Melinda; daughter, Jamie (Carlton); sister, Deana (Jim); and nephew, Lee.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Jacksonville National Cemetery, Jacksonville, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Lung Association.