James Edward Hitchens

1920 - 2013

James Edward Hitchens obituary, 1920-2013, Seaford, DE

BORN

1920

DIED

2013

James Hitchens Obituary

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.

Published by The Daily Times on Apr. 28, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for James Hitchens

Not sure what to say?





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

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

Make a Donation
in James Hitchens's name

Memorial Events
for James Hitchens

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support James's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Hitchens's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more