After serving in the military he worked for Charlie Arzberger's Bakery. He then went on to Barber school in Buffalo returning to Cuba in 1959. He worked a short period of time for Herb Paul cutting hair. Seeing there was not enough work for two barbers in Cuba. He then went to work for the Coudersport Market Basket in the bakery department. For several years he worked with his close personal friend Paul Cummins at Cummins Construction where he continued his love for working with wood. Once Herb Paul decided to retire Jim took over his business and it became Jim's Barbershop, which he operated for over fifty years retiring several years ago.

Every year he looked forward to attending the Cuba-Rushford Alumni Association's annual celebration, reminiscing about the days gone by with his close friends, as well as sharing fifty plus years of stories relayed to him over the years with anyone that was willing to listen.

Jim loved being active in his children's youth sports, coaching baseball, basketball, and football, quite often taking other teammates under his wing guiding them through life. For many years he played on the town Baseball Team. In his younger years working on the farm was "Just what you did, it wasn't really like work", Hunting, Fishing, and trapping in the VanDerLinden Swamp was "Something to do", while playing cards or dancing the night away provided years of enjoyment for his wife and him. Being an avid outdoorsman he enjoyed working his land, cutting wood, riding snowmobile in the winter, and enjoying all that nature had to offer him.

He was a member of former president of the Cuba Rod and Gun Club, and lifetime member of the Cuba American Legion. On October 3, 1980 he received the American Legion Community Service Award for his contribution to athletics.

Jim will be remember for his quick wit, practical jokes, love for one another, and for being an exemplary role model.

Surviving are a daughter, Karen (Melissa Shaber) Hitchcock of Cape Coral, FL; a granddaughter, Kelsie Hitchcock of Cuba; a daughter in law, Lynn Hitchcock of Cuba; five nephews, Jerry (Ellen) Scott, Charles Peppin, Craig Hitchcock, Mark Hitchcock, and Bruce Hitchcock; close personal friends Paul Cummins, Katie Harbeck, Alice Resch, Bob Metcalf, and Joanne Piechota; as well as his feline companion George who provided endless hours of love and companionship before and during his illness.

In addition to his wife and parents he was predeceased by a son Kelly J. Hitchcock on May 24, 2013; a daughter whom died in infancy Jamie Hitchcock; a brother Paul Hitchcock; and two sisters Audrey Pepin and Margaret Potter.

The family will receive friends at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Sunday November 13 from 4-6 P.M. and on Monday November 14 from 10:00 A.M until Noon at which time funeral services will be held. The Rev. Jonathan D. Ward, will officiate.

Memorial's if desired may be made to the Cuba Little League, P.O. Box 265, Cuba, NY 14727.