Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

James Edward "Jim" Hightower Jr.

James Hightower Obituary

Name: Visitation for James Edward "Jim" Hightower Jr.
Start: 2021-09-10T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-09-10T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Reimann Family Funeral Home

Dr. James Edward "Jim" Hightower, Jr. passed away suddenly on Friday, September 3, 2021. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He devoted his life to helping others as well as to spreading God's love to all those whose lives he touched. A native of Fort Valley, Georgia, Jim attended Shorter University and later earned his EdD from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. A devoted minister, Jim most recently led the congregations of Little Farms United Church of Christ in River Ridge, LA and Long Beach Presbyterian Church in Long Beach, MS. Jim touched the lives of so many through his beloved career as a family counselor, minister, and pastoral counselor. An accomplished author, Jim authored numerous books, including "Caring for Folks from Birth to Death." The lives he touched most personally were those of his loving family, all of whom will forever hold him dear. Jim was preceded in death by his Father James Hightower Sr. (Bettie) of Stockton, California, and his mother Betty Wade Hightower of New Orleans, Louisiana. He is survived by his loving wife Susan Niemann-Hightower of Diamondhead, Mississippi, his children Brent (Jody), Lauren, and their mother Cathy Hightower of New Orleans, Evan and Milo Hightower of Diamondhead, stepsons Eric Niemann of Diamondhead, Andrew (Amanda) Niemann of New Orleans, and his grandsons Josef Hightower-Hinnawi of New Orleans, and Nathaniel and Reid Hightower of New Orleans. He is loved, and will be truly missed in this world. He now is at peace in heaven with God. Visitation will be held at Reimann Family Funeral Home, 9113 Kiln Delisle Road, Pass Christian, Mississippi from 4 to 6 pm on Friday, September 10, 2021. Funeral service to be held Saturday, September 18 at 11 am, Central St. Matthew UCC, 1333 S. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the James Hightower Memorial fund at Hancock Bank. Livestream services can be seen on our website at http://www.centralstmatthewucc.com/home/livestream-worship/ Facebook Live at facebook.com/CSMUCC our YouTube Channel at News Central St Matthew UCC.

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

Published by The Times-Picayune from Sep. 7 to Sep. 10, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for James Hightower

20 Entries

Patricia Howder

September 18, 2021

Love and hugs to all of you.

Bob and Lynn Caldrone

September 18, 2021

Jim was our pastor at Little Farms UCC in River Ridge in the late 90's. As a member of the church council, I had the opportunity to work closely with Jim and attend NO Assoc. and UCC Conf. meetings with Jim. I was impressed with his ability to pray "off the cuff" and motivate people to action with his words. As a family, we were honored to have Jim officiate at our son's wedding at Little Farms in 1998. Our deepest condolences go out to Jim's family. He was a passionate, compassionate man of deep faith who will be sorely missed by his family, friends and associates.

Sharon Potts Carroll

September 17, 2021

I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He will be missed. May God give you peace and strength for this sad time.

JERRY BROWN

September 15, 2021

I know Jim from working in the Pastoral Ministry Department at the Baptist SS Board in Nashville, and then later as participants in Amer. Assoc. of Pastoral Counselors. He was always a breath of fresh air for me. He definitely was his own man, yet gave freely of his compassion to others. Love to Susan and the family.

Jim Coffman

September 12, 2021

Susan,
I am so sorry to hear of Jim's death and extend my sympathy to you and the family. I hope you are weathering this time as well as one can. What a gifted minister and therapist he has been. What contributions he has made to so many institutions through the years. God's love and strength to you all.
Jim Coffman

Phil & Cherie Ramseyer

September 10, 2021

We always appreciated Jim and his helpful/supportive attitude. Whether the issues were religion, church business and/or politics, Jim always had a special perspective that made you think and react with respect for self and others. I know he will be missed by many. We wish we were able to attend the services, but are presently living in California and cannot. Prayers for the family!

Baptist Community Ministries

Planted Trees

John & Pam Small

September 10, 2021

We have so many good memories of Jim from when we stayed at LFUCC during Katrina recovery days.

Vicki, Montanna & Lauren Falks

September 9, 2021

We are very saddened by Dr. Hightower's passing. He was a wonderful person that touched so many. He will be missed. Prayers to the family.

John Shalett

September 9, 2021

Jim was my colleague and confidant. More importantly, he was a true and unconditional friend. We were as close as two friends could be. I, along with others, have a hole in my heart. Jim was a gentleman in all sense of the word. His true caring and unconditional acceptance of others was a true marvel. May he rest in peace.

Karen and Malcolm Hurstell

September 9, 2021

Our deepest sympathy to Dr. Hightower´s family. He was a wonderful man and counselor. We will truly miss his wisdom and advice.

Tal and Betty Flurry

September 8, 2021

He was such a wonderful person. Will be missed so very much.

Luceia LeDoux & Angela Trainham

September 8, 2021

Our thoughts and prayers are with all Jim´s family and dear friends during this time. We are grateful for his many kindnesses over the years. His unique gifts did not make him famous, they made him priceless in each moment spent with him. Forever in our grateful hearts...

Patricia Bragg

September 8, 2021

Jim was an example of the teachings of our Father. A humble man with a servant's heart. His unselfish concern for the wellbeing of others is a tribute to our Father God. Thank you Jim for your life of giving and service.

Jason DeLong

September 8, 2021

There are many things that I will always remember about about Jim. Some memories are silly ,like the smell of pipe tobacco when I was young; some are serious, including my deep admiration for his intellectual prowess and passion; others are sad. Above all, I remember that he is a special child of God and my uncle, and that kind of love does not submit to the bounds of time or death. Grace and peace to one I love with deep respect...

Andy and Judy Sawyer

September 8, 2021

We loved him so very much. God Bless his family

Norah Bryant

September 8, 2021

I met Jim when he joined Long Beach Outreach, representing First Presbyterian in Long Beach. Conversations with him guided me through several personal decisions. His contributions to the group were knowledgeable and caring. After retiring, short grocery store conversations made my day. He is missed.

Michael Milliken

Sent Flowers

Merry Toups

September 7, 2021

Jim was a wonderful minister and servant of God. I have fond memories of his ministry at St. Charles Avenue Baptist in New Orleans during the 1970's. His intellect, integrity and sincerity were evident to all those he encountered. He will be missed by many whose lives he touches. My deepest sympathy to his family, especially Brent, Lauren and grandchildren.

Glenn D Martin

September 7, 2021

I am deeply saddened at the news of James' passing! He was a light to many of us and will be sadly missed!

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results