James (Jim) Ray Hudson

James (Jim) Ray Hudson, 85, of Conroe, TX, went peacefully on to see our Lord on January 29, 2024.

Jim was born on August 9, 1938 in Wills Point, TX where he was raised by Archie and Etta Pirtle. He worked the family farm and excelled at athletics in his youth. Jim attended grade school in Wills Point, TX before moving with family to Betram, TX, where he graduated high school in May 1956.

After high school, Jim became a proud member of the U.S. Army, enlisting in August 1956 and receiving an Honorable Discharge in August 1959. During his time in the service, Jim met his future wife, Janice Eschemen in White Sands, NM. Jim and Janice were married on April 19, 1958 at the Methodist Church in Blanca, CO and went on to have three children: Carol Laurie Hudson Bius, Jack Derek Hudson, and David James Hudson.

Following Jim’s time in the service, he and his family moved to Dallas, TX, where Jim worked diligently while attending night school to receive his degree in accounting from the University of Texas at Arlington in May 1970. After graduating, Jim pursued a career with Commercial Metals in Dallas, TX, until 1977 when he was transferred to Beaumont, TX.

This transfer sparked an entrepreneurial interest in Jim, resulting in the establishment of Hudson Salvage. Jim ran a successful salvage business headquartered in Orange, TX for the rest of his professional life. In 2013, at the age of 75, Jim retired to enjoy some well-earned time with his family and friends. Jim was known for telling others that he loved what he did for a living, so he never worked a day in his life.

In recent years, Jim spent his time serving the Lord through ministries in Conroe, TX. Jim was a man who brought comfort and sage advice to many. His leadership and impact on the community will be dearly missed.

Jim is survived by his wife, Janice (Escheman) Hudson; three children, Carol Laurie (Hudson) Bius, Jack Derek Hudson, and David James Hudson; five grandchildren, Brandon and Kayla Bius, Lauren and Kyle Hudson, and Michael Hudson; and five great-grandchildren, Caleb, Mary-Kate, Swayze, Aurora and Elijah.

A brief service will be held at 10:45 AM, on Friday, February 9, 2024, in Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038. The Active Army Guard will provide a salute and present the colors followed by a few words. We will be in Lane 2 and can begin lining up at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church of Conroe. ( https://fbcconroe.org/ )