Obituary of Jim Hitchcock

In an effort to please everyone, we've included a certain number of mistakes and omissions - Jim. STAMFORD Jim "Abe" Hitchcock, 71, of Stamford, died on Thursday evening, November 10, 2011 at home in Stamford, surrounded by family. His final days were spent under Hospice care due to cardiac complications. He was born on February 4, 1940 in Goshen, the son of Helen Bargisen and adopted at age 2 by Leo and Beatrice (Wright) Hitchcock . He married Mary Andrew on September 24, 1963 in Stamford. Jim was employed as an X-ray Technician and worked for many hospitals in NY and Florida. An 8 year US Navy Veteran, Jim was a plank owner of the USS Enterprise; the oldest aircraft carrier in the US Fleet. He was the first and charter member of the Association of Abraham Lincoln Presenters and enjoyed traveling to schools and other functions to speak with the public. His final performance as "Abe" was delivering the Gettysburg Address at the American Embassy in Ottawa, Canada. Jim was a long time member of the American Legion, the Stamford VFW Post #6292, and the Stamford Fire Department & Emergency Squad. He is survived by his wife, Mary, of Stamford; 2 sons, Fred Hitchcock of PA and Frank Hitchcock of Stamford; a daughter, Mary Jo Hitchcock and friend Elliott Oakes of Prattsville; grandchildren, Jasmine and Rodger Hill of Syracuse, Melinda Hitchcock of Treadwell, and Rayleen Hitchcock of Stamford; a sister in law, Barbara Andrew of Schoharie; numerous aunts and cousins; and his special animal companions, Coal, Belle, and Baby Cat. He was predeceased by his parents, a brother Robert, and numerous other family members. Calling hours will take place on Monday, November 14, 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the MacArthur Funeral Home, Hobart. A graveside service with military honors will take place at 11 a.m. in Stamford Cemetery, Stamford, on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 with Rev. Elliott Oakes officiating. Contributions in his memory are asked to be made to: Catskill Area Hospice, the Stamford Fire Department & Emergency Squad, and the Heart of the Catskills Humane Society. Condolences can be left for the family online at www.macarthurfh.com. Arrangements are by the McArthur Funeral Home of Hobart.