James Robert Hudson of Sharon passed away unexpectedly of natural causes Wednesday morning (10-28-15) in his home, after an extended illness. He was 59. Jim was born August 28, 1956, in Sharon, a son of James and Mary O'Brien Hudson. A 1974 graduate of Sharon High School, he attended Youngstown State University and completed the four year electrician apprenticeship through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local # 712. He was a self employed electrician throughout his career. Jim was a standout baseball player in his youth and later as a member of the St. Stanislaus softball team in the former Shenango Valley Church League. He was a fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was an avid golfer and belonged to a number of golf leagues throughout his life. Jim was a man that so many people loved. Making friends came easy to him and his friendships would last a lifetime. He was a selfless and generous guy who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. Jim was also very proud of his family and loved his children with every ounce of his being. He was a very protective big brother in his youth and had many fond memories with his siblings. He was deeply loved and will be missed dearly. Surviving are: his parents, Jim and Kitti Hudson, Sharon; his wife, the former Lynda M. Simco; three daughters, Jamie Lynn Fargo and her husband Scott, Pittsburgh; Lauren Theresa Van Tassel and her husband Brad, Greenville, SC; and Alainna "Laney" Hudson, Brookfield; four sons, Paul Robert Hudson and his wife Carla, Pittsburgh; Justin M. Simeon and his wife Chelsea, Girard, Ohio; James M. Hudson, Brookfield; and Eric R. Hudson, Sharon; three grandchildren, Owen Van Tassel, Addiline Hudson and Ella Kate Van Tassel; two sisters, MaryLynn Hardesty and her husband Shawn, High Point, NC and their children, Shawn, Patrick and Kristen; and Susan D. Hunter and her husband Eric, Hermitage and their children, Erin and Kellan; two brothers, John Hudson and his wife Mariangela, Hermitage and their children, Tyler, Hallie, Jonathan, Alexandra (who is also his goddaughter), Maxx and Julian; and Mark Hudson and his wife Pamela, Transfer and their children, Luke and Blasé (who is also his godson); and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Sophie O'Brien and John and Mary Hudson; an auncle, Thomas O'Brien; two aunts, Mary Brown and Susan Webber; and four cousins, Jill, Paul, Stephanie and Robbie O'Brien. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Shenango Valley Children's Transplant Fund, c/o FNB 3320 E. State St., Hermitage, Pa. 16148. Calling hours will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday (10-30-15) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday (10-31-15) in the Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage.