Obituary of James Gregory Hitchcock

Born in Portland, Oregon on June 9, 1960, Greg was the 4th of 6 children born to Jim and Ruth Hitchcock.The family moved to Lake Grove, OR in 1963 where Greg spent his youth playing little league, camping, hunting, fishing, and riding dirt bikes.He began his working life around the age of 11 with a paper route.He worked at many different jobs before settling on his career and working to become a journeyman plasterer working in Oregon, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Alaska where he was a member of the Alaskan Trowel Trades Union. Greg loved his family, including his children, stepchildren and all his grandchildren and step-grandchildren.Greg was preceded in death by his father Jim Hitchcock.He is survived by his children:Christina, Brenda, Geoffrey and Jennifer; 9 grandchildren: Jalisity, Jeremiah, Jayva, Trinity, Ryan, Brooklyn, Brayden, Jacob and Kole.Greg is also survived by his mother, Ruth Hitchcock, sisters: Joyce Cooper, Karen Palaganas, Shirley Hitchcock, Adel Adams and Nancy Hitchcock, as well as many nieces, nephews and great-nieces. Greg loved the outdoors and while living in Alaska spent much of his free time fishing with friends and family.He was a trophy winning dart player as well.While being considered outspoken and opinionated for his fierce views on politics, religion and the world in general, he was just as fiercely loyal to his family and friends whom he loved deeply.He was an avid reader, outdoorsman and deep thinker who kept well-guarded his incredible talent as a poet.His writing of an incredibly loving tribute in verse to his Mom and Dad for their 50th wedding anniversary invitations being the only piece of his work he shared with more than close family and friends. After being diagnosed with cancer in August of 2018, he fought hard to beat it.While the pain must have been excruciating, his complaint was never about the pain – only about having to lose his hair and beard.During his last year he remained upbeat and positive, spending time with the ones he loved, drinking his Irish Creamed coffee, reading and snacking on the chocolate candies he favored. An intimate celebration of life was attended by family and close friends at which was played the song Greg requested (one he felt suited him and his life) “Many a Long and Lonesome Highway” by Rodney Crowell.His ashes, at his request, will be spread in some of his favorite places in Alaska and Oregon.He will be greatly missed but he will always remain with us in our hearts and memories.His pain is gone now, so our son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend may finally rest in peace.