James (Jim) R. Hitzeman

July 25, 1944 – March 14, 2025

James (Jim) R. Hitzeman, Noblesville, passed away on March 14, 2025. He was born on July 25, 1944, to Norman and Caroline (Kuhl) Hitzeman in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Jim graduated from Indiana University with a B.S. in Secondary Education. He began his career as a social studies teacher and an assistant football coach at South Adams High School in Berne, Ind. He also coached their eighth-grade basketball team, leading them to the county championship. A true people person, Jim’s career expanded into sales and management where, over the years, he repped for Herff Jones, Lifetouch School Pictures, Howard Miller, and Framing Success. His career came full-circle when he returned to, and eventually retired from, Herff Jones.

Jim was a member of Cornerstone Lutheran Church where he served as a communion assistant and lector. He facilitated the church’s GriefShare program and helped initiate and volunteered for their Cancer Companions program. Generous with his time and talents, Jim volunteered with Paw Pals, taking his beloved golden retriever, Maggie, to visit terminally ill and end-of-life patients. He also volunteered at the Hamilton East Public Library book store.

A gifted athlete and ever-competitive, Jim excelled in racquetball and could be readily found on the golf course. A former quarterback, he enjoyed watching college and professional football, as well as college basketball. In his quieter moments, Jim enjoyed reading police mystery novels and watching old episodes of Law and Order. Jim was gregarious and full of life. He loved to have fun and to joke and laugh, and he loved to make others laugh. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a cherished friend-to know him was to love him.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lynn (Wunderlich) Hitzeman; daughter, Janna (Eric) Hitzeman-Crampton; sister-in-law, Marcia (Walde) Hitzeman; nieces, Cheryl (Hitzeman) Sanders and Julie (Hitzeman) Ramey; nephew, Brad Hitzeman; and brother-in-law, John Wunderlich.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Karin Hitzeman, and his brother, Norman Hitzeman.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon, with services at noon, on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Cornerstone Lutheran Church, 4850 E. Main St., Carmel.  A private burial will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cornerstone Lutheran Church, 4850 E. Main St., Carmel, IN 46033.

Condolences: randallroberts.com