James Lee Hitpas

James Lee Hitpas, 67, passed away on July 17, 2024, at The Laurels nursing facility in Mt Pleasant, Michigan surrounded by his loving family as he made his passage to his Heavenly home.
"Jim" is survived by his two daughters, Emily Hitpas and Courtney Hitpas of Mt Pleasant, Michigan, the mother of his children, Tina Sawyer of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, his sister Nancy (James) Halbeisen of Cornelius, North Carolina, niece Lori Halbeisen of Huntersville, North Carolina, former in-laws Thomas and Gloria Sawyer of Houghton Lake, Michigan, former brother-in-law Mike Sawyer of Houghton Lake, Michigan, cousin Gayla (Dolor) Voss of Carlyle, Illinois, aunt Francis Schnieder of Carlyle, Illinois and other relatives throughout Illinois. He is preceded in death by his mother Vera Hitpas and father Leo Hitpas of Charlotte, Michigan.
Jim grew up in Charlotte, Michigan where long-time friends remember him as being humble and sweet, with a quick, dry wit. He always knew how to find humor in life. He loved cruising with friends in East Lansing, going to 7-11 and going to ballgames. He loved sports, including his beloved Detroit Tigers and Lions, spending time in nature, lighthouses, traveling, adored animals, music and of course, the weather!
Jim's interest in weather started as a young boy. He would often talk about as a child, running home from school to write down weather statistics for the day to keep track of the daily forecast on his own. Little did he know he would later be doing that in his professional career as a meteorologist.
Jim studied meteorology and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University in 1985. Jim was a member of the American Meteorological Society, a former weather service provider through his Michigan Travel Weather forecasts to Travel Centers and hotels around Michigan, newspapers and was the longtime broadcast radio meteorologist at 94.5 WCEN until the year 2000.
His signature weather forecast sign- off 'I'm CEN meteorologist... Jim Hitpaaaaas!' was often imitated which made him an often-recognized community member. That said, community involvement was important to Jim with his participation in church softball leagues, Central Michigan Toys for Tots, Special Olympics, Detroit Lions Vs. Media basketball games and many other charitable events.
Jim was a loving father to Emily and Courtney and supported their unique and diverse interests. Emily shared his love of all sports, outdoor activities, weather, and photography. Courtney shared his keen wit and humor, love of dad jokes, and his great taste in music including the band, Queen. They both embody his caring heart, love of animals, and helpful, loving spirit.
A ceremony honoring Jim's spirit will be celebrated privately by family and a celebration of life may be planned later.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to honor Jim's love of animals can be given in his memory to HATS or to Dalis to The Rescue.
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