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1920
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James Edward Hitchens
SEAFORD—James Edward Hitchens, 93, passed away quietly Thursday, April 25, 2013, at the Methodist Manor House in Seaford. He was born on Feb. 25, 1920, in Seaford to the late William J. and Sarah Phillips Hitchens.
Jimmie graduated from Seaford schools and went to work at the DuPont Co. in Seaford on the second day it was in operation. He met the love of his life, Ruth Isaacs, at the DuPont plant and they married in 1944. Jimmie enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1941 and served until 1945, being stationed in Valley Forge, Pa., and Fort Miles, Lewes. After returning from the service, he took a one-year leave of absence from the DuPont Co. to attend Goldey Beacom College in Wilmington, where he majored in sales and advertising. Jimmie was a born salesman and left the DuPont Co. to work at O.A. Newton in Bridgeville, followed by Brown & Bigelow in Virginia, in sales. As he grew weary of the traveling, he took a sales position with the Prudential Insurance Co. in Salisbury. In 1958, Jimmie was recognized as the only Prudential salesman in the area to have sold more than a half-million dollars worth of insurance; he was very proud of this. He worked full time for 30 years until his retirement in 1981.
Jimmie was active in many organizations that were dear to his heart. He was a member of American Legion Nanticoke Post 6 for 68 years, BPOE Elks Lodge 2458 for 50 years, Hiram Lodge No. 21, AF&AM for 55 years, and the Disabled American Veterans, where he was a post commander. He joined St. John's United Methodist Church in Seaford in 1952 and was an active member until his death volunteering in many capacities.
Jimmie's favorite pastime was spending weekends with Ruth at their summer home in Ocean City. He enjoyed fishing, crabbing and boating. He was always smiling, never met a stranger and had a joke ready for everyone he met. Jimmie prided himself on his appearance and was always dressed to the nines. He liked to keep busy in his yard and maintaining his home. Jimmie also enjoyed participating with the ROMEO group (Retired Old Men Eating Out) by going out to dinner regularly.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Health Center at the Methodist Manor House and at Seasons Hospice for their kind and compassionate care of Uncle Jimmie during the last six weeks.
He was married to Ruth Isaacs Hitchens for 61 years prior to her passing in 2006. He was also preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Frances Allen, in 2001; his brother-in-law, Granville Allen, in 1990; and a nephew, Howard Layton, in 2009.
He is survived by his nephew, Ronald Allen and wife, Joyce, of Seaford; his nieces, Judy Pfeiffer and Bonnie Atkins and husband, Ray, of Georgetown. Also surviving are two great-nephews and a great-niece.
A visitation for friends and family will be held Tuesday, April 30, from 6-8 p.m. at the Cranston Funeral Home, 300 North Shipley St.t, Seaford. There will be an Elks service at 7 p.m., followed by a Masonic service. A funeral service will be held at St. Johns United Methodist Church in Seaford on Wednesday, May 1, at 11 a.m., where friends may call one hour before the service. Burial will follow at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Seaford.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to St. Johns United Methodist Church, Pine and Poplar Streets, P.O. Box 299, Seaford, Del. 19973.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I grew up around the corner from Mr. Hitshens. I remember every Halloween growing up, he didn't hand out candy he handed out nickles. He was the nicest person, he will be greatly missed.
Judy Pinson-Brewer
May 21, 2013
You will be missed by so many people, us included. You were one of a kind. Happy
Trails. Claude and Pat Massey
Claude/Pat Massey
April 30, 2013
I will miss my up to date news person of Seaford. I can remember all the good times we had together at Ocean City and Seaford. I am already missing my phone call to Jimmy. Great person.
Jeanne of New Holland, PA
April 29, 2013
This is for you, Uncle Jimmie.
Judy
Judy Pfeiffer
April 28, 2013
I will miss you so much, Uncle Jimmie. Judy
Judy Pfeiffer
April 28, 2013
Jimmie was one of those people who you want to be just like when you grow up. I shall miss our phone calls, full of fun, laughs & memories. They don't make 'em like him anymore. Love you Jimmie
Tina Peterson
April 28, 2013
Uncle Jimmie was the most positive person I have ever met. He never seemed unhappy or disappointed and, even at the end,talked about what a good life he had.
It was such a joy to know him and we will miss him very much.
Jo Ann Staples and family
April 28, 2013
Jimmie was a beautiful person, inside and out. I have known him for 50 some years and he always seemed so young. He always remembered people and always said hello with that great smile and a little chuckle. So sorry for the family in their loss. He will be remembered forever.
Betsy Davis
April 28, 2013
Jimmy was always a happy and friendly person. At Manor House, he always stopped by our dinner table to greet us and, of course, share a joke. He will be missed by many at Manor House.
Nancy Matthews
April 28, 2013
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