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James Hildreth Obituary
1944-2017
James Miller Hildreth, 72, of Houston, passed away Friday, February 24, 2017 in West Palm Beach, Florida.
James Miller Hildreth was born on September 26, 1944 in San Angelo, Texas. His parents, Margaret Miller and Jimmie Harrison Hildreth, were both in sales and moved from San Angelo to Dallas in the early 1950's. He graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1962, where he excelled in Speech and Public Speaking. Upon graduation, he moved to Houston to attend the University of Houston where he graduated in 1966 with a degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting. Jamie and his first wife welcomed Jeff in July 1966. After a brief stint at Hunt Wesson in sales, he'd start his lifelong love of broadcasting at KXYZ. A decade spent at radio stations like KTRM, KYND, and KRBE honed his incredible skill for closing the deal and cultivating relationships that would last a lifetime. The 70's were filled with rock and roll concerts, driving Corvettes, long hair (yes, he had hair), and gold chains. All the crazy times settled down when he met his wife, Theresa. It was truly love at first sight, three months later they were married on March 18, 1978. With Jeff by their side, they moved to Bear Creek and began life in the suburbs. On June 28, 1979, they welcomed Shane Miller to their beautiful family. Having a new family led him to continue his career in broadcasting sales with KLOL and KTRH. The move would be a catalyst to his success and eventual dream job with the Houston Astros, where he would continue for 30 seasons, living and breathing baseball to his last breath.
Jamie was full of life, constantly on stage, forever telling stories, and the life of the party who knew no stranger. But in his most private moments, he was quiet and loved nothing more than spending time with his wife, children, beautiful daughter-in-loves, and grandchildren. He went by Dude to those closest to him. Dude loved being with his dogs Blue and Babe, watching his grandchildren play sports, deep sea fishing and eating sloppy joe's in Key West, Tommy Bahama, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffett, reading, watching movies, and every Friday night at La Griglia, Table 10 for date night.
He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Theresa; sons, Jeffrey Lance Hildreth and wife Caroline, Shane Miller and wife Regay; his 5 beautiful grandchildren; Hayward, John, Alexandra, Audrey, and James; cousins, Bob and Donna Northway, Gay Northway and Roger Green.
You are invited to a Celebration of Jamie's Life. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, March 6, 2017 at Minute Maid Park from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Tropical Shirts and/or Astros Apparel are encouraged!
Honorary Pallbearers are Fred Arnold, Jeff Bagwell, Lance Berkman, Craig Biggio, Bill Brown, Bo Brown, Enos Cabell, Marshal Cohen, Larry Dierker, Phil Garner, Eddie Martiny, and Bill Worrell.
The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Astros Foundation in his honor. The Astros Foundation will create an annual scholarship in Jamie Hildreth's memory to go towards a student's tuition who is pursuing a broadcasting degree at the University of Houston. Donations can be made by visiting www.astros.com/donate and noting "In memory of Jamie Hildreth" when completing the form. Donations may also be made by emailing the Astros Foundation at [email protected].
Services in care of
Emken-Linton
Funeral Home
Texas City, Texas
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Hildreth
Morgan Mohr
November 7, 2022
I met Jamie along with some of the team at the Pizza Inn on Old Spanish Trail in 1985. We were long time friends and routinely lifted weights together through the years. We were both into heavy weight training. I live near his college roommate, Jack Taylor, and we were both devastated when Jamie left us to be with the Lord. I know he looked down to see the moment he longed to see in the World Series Championship. I hope he is looking down today as the streets of Houston are filled. I can just see that big smile.
Miss ya Dude!
Peace,
Bubba Mohr
Brad Barber
March 6, 2017
It's heart-breaking to think of Jamie, aka Dude, not being with us. I met him through advertising and knew him as a friend. Honest, kind, empathetic, funny, creative... the list of superlatives that apply to him goes on and on. Theresa and Shane, my thoughts are with you and the rest of your extended family for your loss. We all will carry many wonderful memories of Jamie the rest of our natural lives.
Zanetta Kelley
March 2, 2017
Jamie was one of the first persons I met when moving to Houston. He helped me immensely to achieve Hispanic exclusivity for a 30 min program every week. He became like a brother to me. His humor, and expertise at his craft was bar none. Jamie was the consummate professional. I will miss Jamie immensely. I pray I will meet him in Heaven one day. God bless his adorable family that he would talk about every time I saw or talked to him,which was weeks ago.
Joy Orme
March 2, 2017
My condolences to you, Theresa and family. I will truly miss him. Love, Joy and Ronald(Nikkos)
March 2, 2017
Theresa -
Please accept my sincerest condolences for your recent loss of Jamie. I never got to meet him, but could always tell how much you loved him by the way you spoke of him when you and I worked together building my house. May he rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord.
Mark Stamey
Marilyn Lawhead
March 1, 2017
My heart is broken with the loss of my very dear and longtime friend, Jamie, aka Dude. I have such wonderful memories of our times together at University of Houston football games both in our skybox and on the road trips we all took. Trips to the Cotton Bowl. Wild and crazy times at Ninfa's and Molina's. ("We take the rice from bowl to bowl" after a UH vs. Rice football game.) Your visit to San Diego for the playoffs with the Astros versus the Padres. Playing croquet in our backyard and then enjoying your fabulous barbequed brisket. Sitting in the audience when you and your family were on Family Feud and watching the video over and over again and laughing at some of your silly answers. Sitting out on the patio at the La Costa Resort having cocktails and laughing our heads off. Berford Hollingsworth. You always calling me Bunkorvich. Laughing all the time. Listening to your great stories. Loving your kindness to my family with Astros tickets when they were in Houston. Marveling over your undying love for Theresa and your boys and grandkids. Such wonderful memories that will last forever. You were always such a great and loyal friend. You will always be missed. I love you Jamie. The world was a better place because of you and your love of life. Prayers to my very dear friend Theresa, Jeff and his family and my special Godson, Shane, and his family.
Muggsy & Katie
March 1, 2017
Theresa please know that we're thinking of you and your family...our prayers have included you daily since hearing the news of Jamie's passing....When we received the call last Friday night that Jamie had passed away we were stunned and numb....the memories we have of our great times with Jamie and you will always be with us and in our hearts....we're so glad we were able to see you at Astroline when we were in Houston during December....the bond that Dad and Jamie had was extra special and to know they're both watching over us gives us some peace and hope it gives you some peace as well....God Bless you and God Bless Jamie...rest in peace Dude
Donna Bearden
March 1, 2017
My heartfelt condolences to your entire family, especially Theresa and Shane. My prayers and memories of wonderful times together fill these times of sorrow.
Bud Hildreth
March 1, 2017
The Hildreth Family Association extends our heartfelt sympathy to Dude's wife Theresa, his sons, grandchildren and his legion of friends both in and out of baseball. His was an exciting life which he lived to the fullest.
Mike Coakley
March 1, 2017
We'll miss you big guy. Theresa our prayers are with you and your family
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