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In Memoriam
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James R. Chittick
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7/5/2026
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"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23
There are some lives measured not merely by years, but by the countless hearts they strengthen, the roads they travel, and the faith they quietly live. Such was the life of James Rollie Chittick, lovingly known as Jim, who entered this world on May 23, 1939, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and peacefully departed this life on July 5, 2026, in Greenville, North Carolina, surrounded by the promise of eternal life in Christ.
Jim lived with an unwavering Christian faith. He met every sunrise with gratitude, every challenge with courage, and every blessing with humility. He believed that life was a gift from God, meant to be lived with purpose, service, and love. His journey was one of steadfast devotion-to his Savior, his family, his country, and every community fortunate enough to know him.
Above all else, Jim cherished his family.
He was the beloved husband of Janet Chittick, the love of his life and faithful companion. Their story began with music at Norwich University, where Jim, standing behind his saxophone during a school dance, caught Janet's eye with a playful wink. That simple moment blossomed into a lifetime of devotion, adventure, laughter, and enduring love. Together they traveled America by motorcycle, RV, and even 18-wheeler, collecting memories as faithfully as others collect photographs.
Jim was the proud father of James, John, and Joyce, and he lovingly carried the memory of his son David, who preceded him in death, always holding him close within his heart.
His greatest joy continued through the generations. He delighted in his five grandchildren-Brandon, Zoey, Joshua, Jordan, and Lena-and treasured the laughter of his five great-grandchildren-Forrest, Carter, Jamie, Faye, and Violet. He is also lovingly remembered by his sister, Stephanie, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by his kindness and steady example.
Jim's life reflected discipline, determination, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.
After graduating from William Hall High School in West Hartford, Connecticut, he attended Norwich University in Vermont, earning honors with a degree in Business Administration. He later completed his Master of Business Administration at the University of Maine and was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, recognizing both his academic excellence and outstanding character.
Education laid the foundation, but service defined his life.
As an Officer in the United States Army, serving as an Airborne Ranger, Jim embraced the values of courage, honor, and sacrifice that would guide every chapter that followed. His military service remained a lifelong source of pride, reflected in the Ranger creed he carried in both word and deed:
"Rangers Lead the Way."
Following his military career, Jim became Vice President of Logistics for Hathaway Shirt Company in Waterville, Maine, where his leadership and integrity earned deep respect. Yet his entrepreneurial spirit refused to stand still. Throughout his life he successfully owned and operated a destination lodge, a Hallmark store, invested in real estate, renovated properties, and pursued every opportunity with enthusiasm and determination.
Teaching became another meaningful chapter of his life. He served as an adjunct professor of Logistics at the University of Nevada, Reno, and later taught Statistics at Mount Olive University in North Carolina. Whether standing before a classroom, leading a business, or helping customers as manager of Sunshine ACE Hardware in Naples, Florida, Jim found fulfillment in encouraging others to grow.
Faith remained the constant thread woven through every season of his life.
Jim faithfully served as a mission volunteer in Costa Rica, was a devoted Stephen Ministry Leader, and found great joy worshiping at Bridgeton Methodist Church, where Thursday morning Bible studies with his son John became treasured moments of fellowship and faith.
His commitment to service extended throughout his community. Jim served as Past Master of Carrabassett Masonic Lodge No. 161 in Canaan, Maine, and was a member of the former Sudan Shriners Temple through St. John's Lodge in New Bern, North Carolina. These organizations reflected the same principles that defined his life-brotherhood, charity, integrity, and service to others.
Adventure called to Jim throughout his life, and he answered with enthusiasm.
He loved skiing the slopes of Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine and eventually became President of the National Ski Patrol of Maine, combining his love of the outdoors with his instinct to protect and serve. Mountain climbing, hiking, camping, and exploring God's creation filled him with wonder.
Among his most treasured memories was hiking a portion of the Appalachian Trail with his son John and grandsons Joshua and Brandon-a journey that became more than miles beneath their feet. It became a legacy passed from one generation to the next.
His love of travel led him on unforgettable adventures with his son James, including a trip to Germany to visit his grandson serving in the United States Air Force and a return to Alaska, where Jim had once been stationed as a young Army officer. His daughter Joyce inherited his encouragement and belief in pursuing one's dreams, and through his unwavering support she fulfilled her own by performing on Broadway.
Jim's curiosity knew few limits. In various seasons of life he became a taxidermist, school bus driver, shuttle chauffeur, businessman, teacher, outdoorsman, mentor, and friend. Whatever the task before him, he approached it with diligence, humility, and joy.
Those who knew Jim will remember a man whose strength was never loud but always present. He was courageous without seeking recognition. He was loving without condition. He was adventurous without fear.
His life quietly demonstrated that true leadership begins with service, true wisdom begins with humility, and true greatness begins with faith.
Jim leaves behind a legacy impossible to measure. It lives in the family he loved so completely, in the students he inspired, in the communities he faithfully served, and in every life made stronger simply because he walked beside them.
As Robert Frost wisely wrote,
"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on."
For those who loved Jim, life indeed goes on-but forever changed by the gift of having known him.
His earthly journey has reached its destination, but his faith has become sight. His race has been run, his work completed, and his eternal home secured through Jesus Christ.
May we honor his memory by living with the same courage, serving with the same humility, loving with the same steadfastness, and walking with the same unwavering faith.
Until we meet again.
"RANGERS LEAD THE WAY." |
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