Jesse “Buddy” Pitchford, 86, of New Athens, IL; born June 16, 1926 in Tamaroa, IL; passed away on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.
Mr. Pitchford was a coal miner for 35 years. He was a United States Navy Veteran serving in World War II. He was a member of St. Agatha Catholic Church in New Athens, IL; the Knights of Columbus; the United Mine Workers of America. Buddy was an avid golfer achieving 3 holes in one. He belonged to the North County Country Club in Red Bud, IL. He was also a huge Chicago Cubs fan. One of Buddy’s proudest moments in life was when he pitched a no-hitter his senior year in high school in 1944. Most of all he was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.
He is preceded in death by his parents – Jesse and Eula, nee Marlow, Pitchford. 1 son – Richard Pitchford. 1 sister – Eleanor Walker.
He is survived by his very special friend and partner for the last 25 years – Barbara Knewitz. His children – Greg Pitchford; Laura (Mark) Amann; Leslie (Paul) Hargrove; John (Stefanie) Pitchford; Lisa Wahlig ; Gerry Pitchford. 17 grandchildren – Art Pitchford; Lindsey (Roger) Middendorf; Aaron Litteken; Scott Amann; Alex Amann; Clare Amann; Adrienne Hurst; Jake (Jamie) Hurst; Hailey Hargrove; Hannah Pitchford; Nick Pitchford; Casey Pitchford; Corey Pitchford; Katie (Brandon) Waeltz; Sam Wahlig; Lorren Pitchford; Nate Pitchford. 8 great grandchildren – Brendan Litteken; Brady Middendorf; Brett Middendorf; Brooks Middendorf; Aubrey Waeltz; Addison Pitchford; Trinity Heintz; Jaxon Heintz. And many nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or St. Agatha Catholic School.
Visitation: Friends may call at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL on Friday, September 14, 2012 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm (prayer service at 4:00pm) and on Saturday, September 15, 2012 from 9:00am to 9:30am.
Funeral: Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 10 a.m. at St. Agatha Catholic Church in New Athens, IL with Father James Nall officiating.
Burial: Interment will be held in St. Agatha Catholic Cemetery in New Athens, IL.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements
My sympathy to Buddys family and Barb, from the Class of 1944, as a classmate and friend from a special class . And now missed at the yearly get together held since the 50 year reunion in 1994. Blessings Buddy, Dorothy Ablett Hacker
Posted by: Dorothy Hacker – New Athens, IL – classmate NACHS 1944 ! Sep 25, 2012
ReplySo sorry to hear about Jesse. He was a great person and will truly be missed. My prayers go out to you all.
Posted by: Dave Allan – East Peoria, IL – Friend of the family Sep 13, 2012
ReplyDear Greg, all the Pitchford family and extended family,
My heartfelt sympathy to you all. Sending peaceful thoughts and prayers your way during this time of sadness. May Jesse rest in peace, and you all find comfort in wonderful memories.
Love you Pitch… Take care
Posted by: Cissy Sullivan – Marengo, IL – Friend of Greg Sep 13, 2012
ReplyTo the Family of Jesse “Buddy” Pitchford,
Our deepest condolences to you all at this time of your loss “Buddy” will be missed by all who knew him. May God give you strength to carry on and give you peace and understanding.
Ivan Ray Pitchford, Pontiac, Illinois
Posted by: Ivan Ray Pitchford – Pontiac, IL – First-Cousin Sep 13, 2012
ReplyDear Gerry and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Each and every one of you have been truly blessed to have been loved by such a wonderful man. We know he will be sorely missed.
Kevin and Leslie Marvin
Posted by: Kevin and Leslie Marvin – Ormond Beach, FL Sep 13, 2012
ReplyDear Jess, you had a long wonderful life, and I will always remember you as a kind, loving man who was always there for his family and grandkids. I was sorry to hear of your passing, but now you can rest in peace.
Posted by: Pam Pitchford – Saint Charles, MO – ex-daughter inlaw Sep 12, 2012
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Dear Jess, you had a long wonderful life, and I will always remember you as a kind, loving man who was always there for his family and grandkids. I was sorry to hear of your passing, but now you can rest in peace.
Posted by: Pam Pitchford – Saint Charles, MO – ex-daughter inlaw Sep 12, 2012
Dear Gerry and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Each and every one of you have been truly blessed to have been loved by such a wonderful man. We know he will be sorely missed.
Kevin and Leslie Marvin
Posted by: Kevin and Leslie Marvin – Ormond Beach, FL Sep 13, 2012
To the Family of Jesse “Buddy” Pitchford,
Our deepest condolences to you all at this time of your loss “Buddy” will be missed by all who knew him. May God give you strength to carry on and give you peace and understanding.
Ivan Ray Pitchford, Pontiac, Illinois
Posted by: Ivan Ray Pitchford – Pontiac, IL – First-Cousin Sep 13, 2012
Dear Greg, all the Pitchford family and extended family,
My heartfelt sympathy to you all. Sending peaceful thoughts and prayers your way during this time of sadness. May Jesse rest in peace, and you all find comfort in wonderful memories.
Love you Pitch… Take care
Posted by: Cissy Sullivan – Marengo, IL – Friend of Greg Sep 13, 2012
So sorry to hear about Jesse. He was a great person and will truly be missed. My prayers go out to you all.
Posted by: Dave Allan – East Peoria, IL – Friend of the family Sep 13, 2012
My sympathy to Buddys family and Barb, from the Class of 1944, as a classmate and friend from a special class . And now missed at the yearly get together held since the 50 year reunion in 1994. Blessings Buddy, Dorothy Ablett Hacker
Posted by: Dorothy Hacker – New Athens, IL – classmate NACHS 1944 ! Sep 25, 2012