Thomas Edward "T.J." Hutchinson, Jr., of Jasper, FL, left us unexpectedly and way too soon on January 8, 2025, at just 26 years old. Born June 5, 1998, in Lake City, FL, to Tom and Lisa Hutchinson, T.J. was raised to be hardworking and genuine, and he poured his heart into everything he did.

A proud 2016 graduate of Corinth Christian Academy, T.J. found his calling as a "Jack of All Trades".  T.J. worked as the Lead Mechanic of the Hemi Maintenance Crew at Nutrien in White Springs, FL, where he worked for five years. Before that, he got his start at Dennis' Garage in Jasper when he was only 15. T.J. worked there for six years, forming a bond with Brice Dennis, who was more like a second dad to him than a boss.

On top of being a skilled mechanic, T.J. was a talented welder. Starting at 18, he worked for several welding companies over the years, perfecting his craft and earning a reputation for precision and attention to detail. T.J. took pride in every weld he made.  If there was a job to be done, he went above and beyond to ensure it was done right. There wasn't a welding test or bend test he didn't pass. For him, welding wasn't just work—it was another way to show his ingenuity and dedication.

T.J. didn't just love his work—he lived and breathed it. From tow trucks and semis to firearms, he was always tinkering and improving something. When he wasn't working, you could find him with his family or out on the Hamilton County rivers, his favorite place in the world. No other water came close in his book, and he never wanted to be anywhere but Hamilton County, FL.

A big softie for cats, T.J. had plenty of them and loved each one. He was a cat person through and through and he made no apologies for it. His love for them was as much a defining trait as his sharp intellect.  T.J. knew what he knew.  Headstrong and confident, he was the person to turn to when in need of an answer, because he always had one, but you could never let him know it or he was impossible to live and work with.

T.J. is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Mikayla Speer-Hutchinson; his two boys, Thomas Edward "Hutch" Hutchinson III and Warren Joseph Taylor Hutchinson; his soon-to-arrive daughter, Stevie Gail Hutchinson; and his parents, Lisa Srygley-Hutchinson and Thomas Edward Hutchinson, Sr. He also leaves behind his grandpa, Glynn Hutchinson and his brother, Evan Hutchinson, both of Jasper, FL; Susan Farmer; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. T.J. was loved by countless friends who meant the world to him.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Harry T. Reid Funeral Home in Jasper, FL. His family will later hold a private service and lay him to rest on their family property.

T.J. touched the lives of everyone he met. He will always be remembered for his big heart, love of family, and dedication to the things and people he cared about most.