James Hutton's mother was Sarah Balfour and his father was William Hutton. James was born into a wealthy family for his father William was a merchant who held the office of Edinburgh city treasurer.
James Hutton ng ina ay Sarah Balfour at ang kanyang ama ay William Hutton. James ay ipinanganak sa isang mayaman pamilya para sa kanyang ama William ay isang merchant na gaganapin sa opisina ng Edinburgh lungsod ingat-yaman.