James Hitchings Obituary

So sad to hear about Saber Jim's passing. He was an usher in my wedding 1972. We shared
many classes at NU. Jim had a great sense of humor. Always a gentleman, a kind soul. RIP .

Time has not diminished the memory of a most memorable man. His spirit lives on in all who ever knew him.

Just discovered the sad news of Jimmy's passing. He was one of my best friends growing up in East Aurora in the mid-fifties and early sixties before we were both shipped off to different boarding schools. I spent many sleepover nights at the Hitchings house; Frank and Jane were special and Jane made the best french toast and bacon for us in the mornings. I kept in touch with Jimmy as best I could through the '80's and 90's but after that we lost contact, and was not aware that he and Peggy had moved to the Charleston area. A very sad lost; he was a great guy and will be missed by all.
Bill Cochran
Fairport, NY
9/26/2022

No words can express how sad I was to hear of Hitch passing. I worked with Jim many years at FDIC and he was one of the funniest, kindest and nicest guys I had the pleasure of not only knowing but working with. My sincere sympathy to Peggy and Jimmy. RIP Hitch. You will be missed by many.

It's been a week, but still impossible to comprehend. A special friend with so many memories -- the impossible dream of 1967, all those Beanpots, so many palatial bachelor pads, the canoe trips, Secretariat at the Belmont Stakes, our communal wedding week, Carnac the Magnificent, and so much more. Love to you, Peggy and Jimmy.

It's been a week, but still impossible to comprehend. A special friend with so many memories -- the impossible dream of 1967, all those Beanpots, so many palatial bachelor pads, the canoe trips, Secretariat at the Belmont Stakes, our communal wedding week, Carnac the Magnificent, and so much more. Love to you, Peggy and Jimmy.

You were a great guy Jim and I wish our paths had crossed more. Thank you for your friendship. Rest in Peace.

Jim and I first met during the process of appointment of Board members to our HOA. He voted for my appointment and we instantly saw we were both great/ logical minds!!!! Anyway, as we spent much time discussing HOA issues, we became good friends. Soon Peggy and Patty got involved, and we did regular outings for dinner and plays. It was always great camaraderie and fun. He will be missed so much. Farewell to a great friend.

One of my good friends and one of
the best guys on the face of the earth

My wife and I were stunned to hear of Jim’s passing. I knew he was battling cancer but the last time I spoke with him there was optimism about the future. I knew Jim as a school and teammate at Williston, more later on as a fellow member at TCC and better as a dinner and golf companion in the Charleston area. The world was a better place with Jim Hitchings and I know he’ll be missed by many who knew him.

There are good guys and there are great guys. Jim Hitchings was a great, great guy
In all ways possible !

February 9, 2021

My condolences to the Hitchings family. My recollections of Jim are mainly as a youth enjoying fun family get togethers in East Aurora, NY with Uncle Frank, Aunt Jane, Betsy and Jimmy before I did college and moved to Seattle and lost contact. I was blest in 2019 with a get re-acquainted lunch with Jim in Charleston, SC, too short but great to visit with him.

Jim was the funniest, coolest guy I knew growing up. He just made everything seem so fun when he was around. A great guy, so many memories. Go Bills!!

What a great loss. Everything was more fun when Skitch was around. From sitting at Fenway Park with a "Big Boy" beer to watching a thrown club after a missed putt immediately followed by his infectious and recognizable laughter. His warmth and sense of humor made us enjoy life that much more in his presence. The casual dinner parties with Chef Skitch (under Peggy’s careful instruction) at the grill were a sought after invitation. The investment advice on Kamakaze options - not so much. We all wanted to be around him and we will all miss him dearly.

My deepest condolences. I worked with Jim many years ago in Boston for the FDIC. I was a young examiner and he was the "older" review examiner who made working in the office fun. The stories about the "old" days of examinations (Including one about golfing a bottle of white out across a board table) were legendary. We also shared our "love" of running - or at least the need to get out there and moving. He was truly a joy to be around. May you be comforted by the wonderful memories we all have. - Meg Hanrahan

Jim's sense of humor was legendary. It was never a retirement party/goodbye without a book roast! Best wishes to the family. May you remember him with a smile always.

I'd like to express my condolences to the Hitchings family. I had the good fortune of being associated with Hitch for many years while he was at the FDIC and we've periodically kept in touch since his retirement. He was the life of every occasion, whether it be serving as the auctioneer for annual fundraisers in an entertaining manner, doing his humorous book routine as a farewell to many colleagues, organizing daily lunch time exercise runs and periodic lunch outings, arranging golf outings, telling stories, or having a lot of fun at the many FDIC conferences and events. He treated everyone with the same high level of respect and courtesy. Most of all, it was clear he was very devoted to Peggy and Jimmy. He was not the type to boast, but whenever I asked him about Jimmy, he always responded with tremendous pride in sharing whatever his son was up to.

Sincerely,
Chris Shanahan

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. We didn't know Jim that well but the few times we've seen him he was a very genuine person. We also knew how much Jimmy Jr and Lynn were close to him and how much joy he brought to them. Very sorry for your loss.

Love,
Kevin, Taeko & Brady Pennington

Our most sincere sympathies to Peggy and Jimmy. We are saddened by the loss of a wonderful neighbor and true gentleman.
Nancy & Fred Kennedy

Dear Peggy:

Or sincerest condolences to you and Jimmy on your loss. So glad we had an opportunity to enjoy lunch with Hitch on our way to Florida last year. I have so many stories I could share, but it would take a book. He was a great roommate in " The Ridgewood House of Detention", a great co-worker, softball player, golfer and good friend. I think our best trip together was in 1977 to the New York Region Summer Games during one of the gas crises. We worried about gas for the car the entire trip.
I could go on with many more, but I'm sure others will have their own to share.

Dick and Kathy Donovan