James Harvey "Jim" Hitt III

James Harvey "Jim" Hitt III, of rural Gilmer, joined his heavenly Father on April 11, 2010. He was at home with family and friends at his side during his last hours.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held today, April 13, 2010, at the Frontier Cowboy Church located at 2791 FM 593 at 10 a.m. Bro. Ruben Metcalf will officiate. Friends and family are welcome to visit prior to and after the service. Cremation arrangements are by Rader Funeral Home of Longview.

Jim was born February 23, 1940, in Winnsboro, Texas, to James Harvey Hitt II and Winona Pugh Hitt. He had celebrated his 70th birthday with his family at his side.

Jim had many hobbies throughout his life and had enjoyed living to its fullest.

In the 60's and 70's Jim raced sprint cars and stock cars in the Longview and Dallas areas. He and his sons were avid coon hunters in the 80's and bred and trained "Hitt's Hounds." Jim's beloved hound, Buster, earned many honors and was his pride and joy.

Team penning was his passion in the 90's with his trusty horse "Spud." Together they won many titles, buckles and saddles.

Currently he has been an avid "relic hunter" with his many friends from this area and in Virginia, as well as many other states. He had traveled as far as England, to "hunt for gold" in Britain. He had a wonderful collection of artifacts and mementos and had shared their history to all who would listen.

Jim retired from Stroh Brewery just before the closing of the plant in Longview, Texas. He was an industrial electrician and had worked previously at Marathon LeTourneau.

His parents preceded him in death. He will return to them now in Rosewood Park Cemetery near Judson, Texas, where he was raised and graduated high school in 1958.

Those left to perpetuate his memory are his wife, Rosemary Jackson Hitt of rural Gilmer; sons and daughter-in-law, Jimmy D. Hitt of Gladewater, Texas, and Charles L. and Elizabeth Hitt of Diana, Texas; stepchildren and spouses, V. Jean Hanshew and Rick and Shanda Hanshew of rural Gilmer. Also one brother, John and wife Beverly Hitt.

Jim has four grandchildren, Courtney, Chad, Rachael and Colton Hitt; and two stepgrandchildren, Sprint and Slade Hanshew. His niece and nephew, Nathan and Jana Johnson and John L. and Jennifer Hitt and family, survive him also.

His former wife, Charleene Hitt of Longview, Texas, mother of sons, Jimmy D. and Charles, has been a special friend throughout the years and will share our loss.

Special friends, Manda Reynolds, John Baker and Bro. Ruben Metcalf have been a blessing to us all and will always be remembered for their steadfast friendship and faith.

Nibbles, his pet pygmy goat, will miss the many hours of love and attention that he and Jim have shared.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Beacon Hospice at Margaret's House in Longview, Texas, Dr. Schottstaedt and his nurse Robin Dawson for their assistance in the past weeks.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in Jim's memory to Frontier Cowboy Church PO Box 1327 Gilmer, Tx. 75644; Windridge Equestrian Center PO Box 5932, Longview, Tx.; Beacon Hospice 5016 Gilmer, R. Longview, Tx. 75604 or charity of choice.

A memorial guestbook may be signed at www.raderfh.com