Roll Call Tribute

Published in Dallas Morning News on Nov. 1, 2015

James Pitcher(1994 - 2015)
PITCHER, James Douglas William Douglas and Ellen Marie Pitcher were blessed to have their only son born on May 11, 1994, in Dallas, Texas. He was fortunate to have a big sister, Lilly, who would guide him throughout the course of his life as only a sister could. Jimmy died in a tragic accident on Oct. 19, 2015, in College Station, Texas. This is the story of Jimmy Pitcher, whom we will cherish in our hearts for an eternity. Jimmy attended Sloan School in Irving, where he met many of his lifelong friends. He came home one day and said he had a part in the kindergarten graduation and we were pleased. Little did we know he was the master of ceremony. He stood tall and performed without missing a beat. He had memorized all of his lines and had a stage presence that was amazing. Jimmy attended Brandenburg Elementary School and became actively involved in scouting with the encouragement of his father. They had many camping adventures. In fifth grade, he earned the lead part as the King in "The King & I," where he again demonstrated a commanding stage presence and the ability to memorize all of his lines. Jimmy moved on to Travis Junior High and became involved in band, which began his life long love of music of all genres. Jimmy continued in scouting and became a third generation Eagle Scout, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, James Loren Pitcher, and his father. During Jimmy's high school years he continued in band and joined the jazz band. He was blessed to have met a man known as "Doc," who would have a profound impact on his life. Doug, Jimmy's dad, died in January of 2012 of colon cancer. Doc was instrumental in helping Jimmy through this process. Jimmy was surrounded by a group of incredible friends that were a tremendous support to him during this difficult journey. We are eternally grateful for their guidance during this time. Jimmy was accepted into Texas A&M University, where he initially pursued aerospace engineering. In our conversations about his future, he said he wanted to help people and could not see himself doing that in that field. As parents, we wanted our children to do what they are passionate about. Jimmy chose instead to pursue a career as a psychologist and began his new journey. He was excited about the opportunity before him and the impact he was going to making in helping others. In our last dinner together, I asked him what he planned after graduation. He said he wanted to go to Japan to teach English for a few years before attending graduate school. Jimmy had already investigated how to accomplish this and had begun learning Japanese. He was confident and more at peace than he had been in years. Jimmy was surround by a great group of friends whom he loved and whom were instrumental in shaping him in many ways. These wonderful men: Stering, K'Darious, Austin, Jin-woo, Richard, David and many others were Jim's brothers. As described by Jimmy's current roommate, Richard, "Jimmy was one of the most intelligent, caring, and selfless individuals I have ever met in my entire life. He has always put others before himself. From playing together in the high school jazz band to studying sociology together, it's been a great and amazing journey, Jimmy. You told me once, that I was someone you aspired to be like, but honestly, Jimmy, I looked up to you, and I always will. You'll be forever with me." A celebration of Jimmy's life was held on Oct. 24, 2015, at MacArthur Blvd. Baptist Church in Irving, Texas. Pastor Josh Smith delivered a poignant message and Bryant Jones sang with the voice of an angel. Jon Gorman, Jimmy's brother-in-law, delivered the eulogy for the family. The scripture readings were selected by his sister, Lilly. The congregation joined us in singing the Aggie War Hymn at the conclusion of this celebration. Donations to honor Jimmy's life can be made to: Boy Scout Troop 508, Memorial Gift in Honor of Jimmy Pitcher, Woodhaven Presbyterian Church, 3650 N. O'Connor Rd., Irving, TX 75062 OR MacArthur High School Band, C/O Ellen Pitcher, 1608 Canyon Oaks Drive, Irving, TX 75061 We are left to carry on in this world without Jimmy. He leaves behind his mother, Ellen, who will eternally miss her little boy; his adoring big sister, Lilly, and brother-in-law, Jon; his Michigan family, Grandma Lil, Uncle Roger, Aunt Kelly and cousin Travis. The New Mexico family will miss you beyond words: Uncle Mark, Aunt Lynn, cousins Lauren and Haley Komer; Uncle Dave, Aunt Zita, cousins Erin and Daniel; Uncle Lyle, Aunt Laurie, cousins Dez and Kyle. Jimmy was a quiet, intelligent, kind, funny and multi-talented individual. He loved his life, friends and family. This tragic departure of our beloved son, brother and friend is truly an inexplicable event. Each person that knew Jimmy now has a huge hole in their heart. We believe in a loving God who also mourns the death of his child. We must allow God's love to fill this void in our hearts. He will provide comfort, strength and hope in the days to come. We want to thank our friends, family and work colleagues for your prayers, hugs, thoughts, kind words, food, flowers and -- most of all - your love. It is times like these that we are reminded of how precious life is and how God is good in all things. He provides strength when it seems that there is none. He gave us one of the most precious people we'll ever know, even if it was for a short 21 years. We are grateful for the time we had with him and know we will see him again one day.