J.R. Hudson

After living a beautiful, happy life, J.R. Hudson, age 90, died at home with his loving family and caregivers by his side. J.R. was born in Fouke, Arkansas to Charles William and Dora Elizabeth (Griffin) Hudson on October 19, 1924. He grew up on the farm, picking cotton, swimming in the swimming hole, fishing, hunting and playing baseball. He remained the St. Louis Cardinals' biggest fan.

J.R. enlisted into the Army during World War II at 18 years old, embarking on an incredible journey, first to North Africa, then to Naples, Italy and up the Po Valley, his division settling as a peace keeping force in a charming castle in Capriva del Friuli in Northern Italy. Becoming proficient in the language, he was able to meet and court the love of his life, Elda Grion, a beautiful Italian woman. The two were married in Naples, Italy where their first child was born in 1946. Bringing his war bride to America after the war, J.R. and Elda lived in Arkansas, then Texas, where their first set of twins were born in 1947. From there they moved to St. Louis and then to Connecticut, where their second set of twins were born in 1961.

J.R. had various jobs after the war, finally falling into a career as a metallurgical engineer. He became very respected in his field, traveling all over the world because of his unique expertise. J.R. was a gifted storyteller, full of one liners, witty jokes and sayings-a talent he never lost. He also had a deep love for music, especially Country music, and instilled an appreciation for music in all of his children and grandchildren. Nothing brought him more joy than rocking, cradling and singing to his babies.

J.R. was preceded in death by his wife, Elda; a brother, Odus and nine half brothers and sisters, son-in-law Jon Kreulen, and infant granddaughter Sara McCormick. J.R. and Elda had five children who all survive: Marisa (Roger) Schweitzer of Richland, Nancy (Lou) Kreulen-Wargo of Port Clinton, Ohio, James (Karin) Hudson of Portage, Brenda (Cliff) Mulder of Kalamazoo and Linda (Mike) McCormick of Cypress, Texas. Affectionately known as Popi, J.R. had a special relationship with his 18 grandchildren, Kurt (Charlene) Schweitzer, Kristin (Scott) Johns, Jason Kreulen, Andrea (Mark) Prebay, David (Adriana) Hudson, Dan Hudson, Nick Hudson, Bryan (Jessie) Mulder, Keith (Lisa) Mulder, Laurel Mulder, Philip Mulder, Camille Howard, Jared Howard, Mitchell Howard, Scott McCormick, Madison McCormick, Louie Wargo and Paula Wargo. Popi was blessed to have five great grandchildren, Avery and Cole Prebay, Matilda and Charlie Mulder and Martin Hudson. The family would like to extend a special thank you to J.R.'s truly amazing caregivers, Connie Rose, Kim Coburn and Amy Miskowski. These loving women unselfishly cared for J.R. in his home, giving beyond what was called for. He had a special relationship with each of them and thought of them as daughters.

Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, November 23rd from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. at Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Richland Chapel 9170 East D Avenue (M89), Richland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 24th, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church, 12648 East D Avenue, Augusta, with Father James F. Adams, Celebrant and Deacon Michael A. Carl, Assisting. A luncheon will immediately follow the Funeral Mass. Military interment will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI at 2:00pm. Memorial donations may be made to the Diabetes Association or the Alzheimer's Association. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.