Capt. James Franklin Hudgins, a native of Mathews, Virginia, passed away on June 30, 2016 at his home.

He was born at home in Bavon on January 9, 1933, to Walter James Hudgins and Lois Thelma Hudgins. Capt. Hudgins worked on the water most of his life. As a boy, he helped his beloved grandfather Gilbert Hudgins fish nets, pounds, and crab pots in the Bay. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard for three years, and spent the last 18 months of his service manning Wolf Trap Lighthouse. He also worked on fish steamers, was captain of a shrimp trawler in the Gulf of Mexico, and finished his career as a tugboat captain for several construction companies, including Diamond, Tidewater and McLean.

A widower, Capt. Hudgins is survived by his daughters, Dinah Kay Respress (LeLand) and Patricia Miles; his grandson, John L. Miles Jr.; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as many friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 3 p.m. at Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home, Mathews. The family will receive family and friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mathews Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 1130, Mathews, Va. 23109; Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 723, Mathews, Va. 23109, or Riverside Walter Reed Hospice, 7358 Main Street, Gloucester, Va. 23061.