James "Jim" Hudson

Ira James “Jim” Hudson, Sr., born on November 21, 1935, passed peacefully into the presence of his Savior after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

He was the son of the late Arthur and Ellen Brooks Hudson. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Celia “Rose” Hudson, whom he married on October 29, 1957.  Jim and Rose were blessed with three children: Kathy Crouse, James Alan Hudson, and the late Ira James Hudson, Jr.  He was a proud grandfather to Jennifer Riglin, Danielle Moser, and Ira James “Trey” Hudson III, and a loving great-grandfather to Aubree, Brynlee, Bryson, and Morgan.   In addition to his parents and son, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Randy Crouse.

Jim served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1956, achieving the rank of E-5. He was stationed at Fort Jackson and Fort Knox in Kentucky, as well as Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska.

After his military service, Jim began a 23-year career with Martin Marietta, supervising rock quarries across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. In 1983, Jim and Rose returned home to Alleghany County, where he joined the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Department. During his 23 years of service, he worked in drug interdiction, trained officers and canine units, participated in aerial drug searches, located illegal moonshine stills, and served as a courthouse bailiff. He retired in 1997.

Jim was known for his remarkable ability to fix anything. Together with his son-in-law, Randy Crouse, he and Rose built their home on Hudson Road. A lifelong car enthusiast, Jim opened a transmission repair business with his son and enjoyed racing cars.

Dedicated to his community, Jim was honored by many Alleghany County organizations for his selfless service. In 1994, he received special recognition from Governor Jim Hunt for his lifetime of civic contributions.

Jim was a devoted member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, joining Bruce Wayne Osborne Post 7034 in Sparta, North Carolina, in 1983. He was actively involved in nearly every aspect of the post’s work. As part of the Honor Guard, he rendered graveside military honors to countless veterans. He faithfully prepared the VFW’s secret barbecue sauce for spring and summer cookouts, and handmade tartar sauce for fish fries in winter. He also contributed extensively to the Veterans Museum at Post 7034.

The Hudson family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to dear friends and neighbors Randy Miles and Dawn Thorne for their unwavering love and support.

Jim Hudson leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Funeral Services to honor the life of Jim will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, June 7th, 2025 in the chapel of Thomas Family Funeral Service with VFW Post 7034 Commander, Mark Parker officiating.  Interment will follow at Landmark Union Baptist Church Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Bruce Wayne Osborne VFW Post 7034 of Sparta.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home and other times at the residence at 506 Hudson Road in Sparta.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bruce Wayne VFW Post 7034, PO Box 1838 Sparta, NC  28675.

The family would like to thank VFW Commander Mark Parker and also the staff of Medi-Home Hospice for all you have done for Jim and the family during his time of sickness.

Thomas Family Funeral Service is honored to be serving the Hudson family.  If you wish, online tributes may be extended to the family at www.thomasfamilyfs.com.

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