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James Hightower Obituary
James was born on November 7, 1396, in Bradenton, Florida to James Sr. and Emily Hightower. The family moved to Venice, Florida in 1941.
James graduated from Venice High School in 1954 and later graduated from Florida Southern College. He served in the US Army stationed at Fort Detrick which is known for its medical research.
Later, he taught school in Martin County and was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church when living in Stuart, FL. He was a long time member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Venice and also a member of the Venice Lions Club.
James was predeceased by his parents, a brother Hubert Norman Hightower, and his aunt Ruth Hightower Roberts.
He is survived by his sisters Rose Marie Hightower and Nancy Anne Petersen, nephews Kurt N. Petersen (Melanie) Kristian C. Petersen (Kim) and niece Katherine Capatosto. Great nieces and nephews: Brooke, Liam, Ava, Colin, Brody, Hayden, and Logan.
He is also survived by his cousin Betty Jane Williams of Denver, CO and his godchild Lenna Aoki of Washington, DC
Services will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Venice, FL on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 11am with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Emmanuel Lutheran Church where James was a greeter and member of the choir for many years.
Burial will be at Manasota Memorial Park in Bradenton, FL at 2pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for James Hightower
Funeral services provided by:
Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Manasota Memorial Park1221 53rd Ave East, Bradenton, FL 34203
Memories and Condolences
for James Hightower
Sponsored by Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Manasota Memorial Park.
1 Entry
Rebecca Bauer
November 21, 2025
Jimmy was a dear neighbor and family friend. I have fond memories of the Christmas parties he used to host and of many wonderful Thanksgivings together with my grandparents and the Hightowers where Jimmy would bring his homemade pumpkin pie with chocolate chips baked on top. Jimmy was always very kind and a great storyteller. Thankful for your friendship to our family over the years. Sending our love and condolences to Rose, Nancy, and all the dear family.
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