by CAROLYN CARY

Contributing Writer

The late Jim Hudson, who died Jan. 27, 1988, was one of three brothers from Fairburn who became well known local entrepreneurs.

He and a brother, Leon, operated a grocery store in Fairburn in the 1950s, then they owned one in Fayetteville in the early 1960s, sold his half to Leon, then worked with brother Marion in the picture framing business in Fairburn, opened a store in Tyrone and finally, “The Village Supermarket” in Peachtree City.

The Aberdeen Village shopping center was the first one built in Peachtree City and Jim Hudson operated his store in the far left-hand corner.

Aberdeen Village was built in 1973/74 and he opened up for business in late 1973. He operated his store until 1985.

Hudson instituted a number of annual events, the most famous being the burning of a Yule Log in the parking lot at Christmas. With his own money, he would hire a band for the event and thoroughly enjoyed seeing everyone have a good time, according to those who knew him.

Accommodating to his employees and beloved by them all, it was not unusual for several siblings in a family to work the cash register after school — when one of them graduated, the next youngest one would then take his or her place.

Hudson became ill in 1983 and his medications cost $100 a day; the citizens of Peachtree City and various clubs got together to keep funds heading his way until his death in 1988.

Although the store was sold in 1985, it remained a supermarket for some time. Currently it is a gym.



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