BEDFORD — James Lee Hutchinson, a beloved World War II veteran, educator, and author, celebrates his 100th birthday today, marking a century of service, storytelling, and impact on generations of Hoosiers.
Born June 17, 1925, Hutchinson served with distinction in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, where he flew as part of the Eighth Air Force in Europe. His wartime experiences would later become the subject of several memoirs and historical accounts, preserving firsthand the courage and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation.
Following his military service, Hutchinson returned to southern Indiana, where he dedicated his life to education. He spent many years in the Bedford school system, including time as principal of Lincoln Elementary School. Former students and colleagues remember him as a steady and compassionate leader who left an enduring legacy of mentorship and care.
In his later years, Hutchinson found a second calling as a writer. His books, including Through These Eyes: A WWII Memoir and My Life and Times as a WWII Bomber Crewman, earned praise for their vivid, heartfelt accounts of wartime and homefront life. His work has helped educate younger generations on the realities of conflict and the resilience of those who lived through it.
The City of Bedford and the surrounding community have long honored Hutchinson’s contributions, celebrating his service both in uniform and in the classroom. As he turns 100, tributes have poured in from fellow veterans, students, and public officials.
