It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James B. Hudson (84), of Mexico Beach, Florida, on September 12, 2023, at his home following a long illness.
James, also known as Jimmy or Jim to his friends and family, was born in Clayton, Alabama, on March 26, 1939, to Barnett and Joy Hudson.
He graduated from Auburn University School of Pharmacy in 1962. After graduation, he became a Registered Pharmacist in the State of Alabama in 1963 and began his career in Elba, Alabama. A short time later, he became a Registered Pharmacist in the State of Florida and moved to Marianna, where he worked at Hightower’s Drugs for several years. In the ‘70s, he opened his own store, Hudson’s Pharmacy, in the IGA grocery store building. In addition to owning his own store, he also worked as a pharmacist at Jackson Hospital in Marianna. From 1982 to 1984, he served as Chairperson on the Florida District II Long Term Care Ombudsmen Committee (LTCOC).
After he sold his business in Marianna, he worked at Bay Medical Hospital in Panama City, FL. In 1992, at the age of 53, he attended Purdue University and became certified as a Nuclear Pharmacist. He was the 140th person to receive licensure as a Nuclear Pharmacist for the State of Florida. In 1999, Cox Nuclear Pharmacies awarded him a Pharmacy Manager Pharmacy Performance Award. Cox Nuclear Pharmacies also presented him with the 2000-2001 “Man of the Year Award for Six Years of Outstanding Work Ethic and Endless Self Sacrifice for the Good of the Company.” In 2013, he received a certificate from the State of Florida, recognizing his 50 years as a Registered Pharmacist. He retired in 2016 at the age of 77.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 26 years, Melba D. Hudson; his parents, Barnett and Joy Hudson; and his son, James B. Hudson, Jr. (Jamey). He is survived by his daughters Lynn Hudson of Tallahassee, and Laurie A. Mikuta (Joel) of New Port Richey, FL; stepson Brandon Oakes of Georgetown, GA; stepdaughter Wendi Oakes of Batesville, AL; his grandchildren Bryson J. Hudson and Georgia G. Mikuta, both of New Port Richey, FL; sister Frances Maggard of Port St. Joe, FL; brother Earl Hudson of Mexico Beach, FL; and Jan Clemmons of Lawrenceville, GA; his former wife, Barbara Y. Hudson of Hudson, FL; he is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and close friends.
Jimmy’s career as a pharmacist was his passion and he mentored several people who went on to pursue careers in pharmacy. Throughout his life, he loved to go fishing with his friends and family. He and his wife, Melba, enjoyed sailing together. He took up target shooting at a local range near his home in Mexico Beach and enjoyed participating in competitions there. When he lived in Marianna, he was an active member of St Luke’s Episcopal church, where he served as a lay reader, and was once elected Senior Warden there. He was an avid reader of many subjects, and loved books. Every year, he looked forward to football season and especially loved to watch the Auburn Tigers play; he loved it even more when they won!
Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with cremation. His family is planning a private memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy. Please make checks payable to Auburn University Foundation and mail to Harrison College of Pharmacy, Office of Development, 2316 Walker Building, Auburn, AL 36849 or visit aub.ie/aurxgive to give online choosing the General Scholarship Option.
