James Pitcher

James Leon Pitcher, age 72, of Newaygo, formerly of Newaygo, MI and Dunedin, FL, passed away Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at Metron of Cedar Springs. The son of Leon & Josephine Regina (Piontek) Pitcher, he was born on October 11, 1946 in St. Joseph. James earned his Master's degree from Eastern Michigan University and retired as Assistant Superintendent of Finance from Forest Hills Public Schools. On August 23, 1969, in Benton Harbor, he married Marilyn Louise Doolen and together they raised two sons and enjoyed 49 years of marriage. Jim enjoyed simple pleasures like a cold beer, or a glass of bourbon, he enjoyed traveling to different countries and searching for the next Irish pub, but found his greatest joy in being with family on the lake. Fishing with his grandsons and leisurely boat rides around the lake were common activities. He will be sorely missed but he left many great memories for those close to him. He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother Ken. Surviving are his wife, Marilyn Pitcher of Newaygo; their sons, Darren & Inese Pitcher of Middleville, and Drew & Mila Pitcher of Astoria, New York; grandchildren, Skylar & Magnus; a sister, Cindy & Bill Jordan of Ft. Myers, Florida; a brother, Bill & Roxanne Pitcher of Watervliet; and several nieces and nephews. Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are planned. Instead of flowers, James would have appreciated contributions to the charity of the donor's choice.