James Harley Hitchcock

James Harley Hitchcock, 76, of Sandwich, IL entered into the gate of Heaven on January 12, 2025. He is home free from cancer.

Harley was born October 31, 1948 to Jack and Ina (Hawkins) Hitchcock in Newport, AR. He was the oldest of 4 children.

Harley married his high school sweet heart Cecilia Jones on January 10, 1969.

After graduating from Trumann High School he joined the United States Air Force. He retired from Caterpillar in Aurora after 30 years.

At the age of 10 he started to play his dad’s guitar. He had a love for music and was very talented. He was the lead guitarist in the band. He loved to sing and play music. Harley played in several different churches. He played every Sunday afternoon on K.T.M.N Radio station in Trumann for a gospel program.

He loved old cars and trucks which he had a few. He enjoyed spending time with his sons and friends at car shows. He was a great shade tree mechanic. Harley loved gardening and having lots of cook outs at his little farm. Harley never met a stranger, he loved to sit under the shade tree and talk to anyone who would sit and make conversation.

Most important in his life was family. He loved with all his heart and had big hugs for everyone.

Harley went to Kentucky every Labor Day for a family reunion. He loved to see all his family from different states and Harley always played music there for singing and dancing.

Harley is survived by his wife of 56 years, Cecilia, of Sandwich, IL; 2 sons, Ray Hitchcock of Ottawa and Ken Hitchcock of Sandwich; 3 Sisters, Pat (Tim) Curtis of Bull Shoals, AR, Tabby (Doug) Morphey of Sandwich, IL and Brenda (David) Reimann of Sandwich; Adopted grandchildren, Rahim, Micki, Zanna and Anisa; Best Friends, Sam Sayles of Aurora, John Cortes of Aurora, Gary Weber of Sandwich and Pete and Brenda Day of Sandwich; Several nieces and nephews; As hospice nurse and friend, Tiffany Engelman.

He was preceded in death by his parents and daughters, Tammie and Tracy.