James R. Hightower

1928 - 2016

James R. Hightower

Marietta, SC

James R. Hightower went home to be with the Lord on October 7, 2016. He was surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Mr. Hightower worked for J.P. Stevens, Co. Slater Plant 47 years and was a member of Marietta First Baptist Church. He attended Mountain View and Greenwood High Schools. After his father's death, he and two brothers entered Connie Maxwell Children's Home where he made many lifelong friends. During World War II he enlisted in the Army then the Air Force. His mother had five sons which served their country at the same time during WWII and one son serving in the Korean War.

After retiring, Jimmy loved spending time with his brothers and grandchildren farming at their family home place. (Psalm 121 - "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help"). Also he and his wife enjoyed traveling with Cattleman's Association visiting different farms in the US and Canada.

Some of Mr. Hightower's greatest attributes were: He tried to be a peace-keeper between families and friends; never met anyone he did not like, did not have unkind words for anyone, a good provider for his family, and lived his life by example. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

The last surviving member of his immediate family, he was born on January 23, 1928 in a log cabin at his family's home place in the mountains of Northern Greenville County.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Patricia Ruth Hightower; a daughter, Sandra Patricia Burnett (Toby) of Greenville, SC; two sons, Terry (Ann) Hightower of Marietta, SC and Jerry Hightower of Greenville, SC; 3 grandchildren, Leslie Mau (Ryan) of Farmville, VA, Kristen Hightower of Greenville and Lance Burnett of Charleston, SC, and 3 great grandchildren, Gracie & Gabriel Mau of Farmville, VA, and Cameron Cook of Greenville, SC.

He was predeceased by his mother, Harriett Elizabeth Pittman Hightower and his father, John Franklin Hightower; two infant bothers and one infant sister along with brothers, Wilton, Carroll, Randy, Doug, Richard and a sister, Mary Hightower.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 PM Monday afternoon at Marietta First Baptist Church with burial to follow in Mountain View Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:30 PM on Monday at the church prior to the service.

The family will be at the home.

A special Thank You would like to be extended to the staff at Richard M. Campbell Veteran's Nursing Home, Marietta Hope, Health & Rehab of Marietta, SC, Patriot Hospice of Anderson, SC, many caregivers (especially Nancy & Lisa) for their loving care, as well as the prayers, cards and visits.

Memorials may be made to the Connie Maxwell Children's Home, 810 Maxwell Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646, Marietta First Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 337, Marietta, SC 29661 or Richard M. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home, 4605 Belton Hwy. Anderson, SC 29621.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.thehowzemortuary.com

The Howze Mortuary, Travelers Rest is in charge of arrangements. 864-834-8051