James H. Pitcher

Greatly loved Husband, Father and Grandfather – James Hull Pitcher, age eighty-five, of Pleasant Prairie, WI – went home to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on Monday, April 6, 2026, .

Born December 10, 1940, in Zion, IL, Jim’s family was a part of the rich history of the Christian Catholic Church founded in Zion, IL. For many years, his family operated the catering business at the Zion Hotel and later opened up a deli and pie business called “Pitcher’s Place” in Pleasant Prairie, WI. After graduating from Zion-Benton Township High School, he started an apprenticeship alongside his brother-in-law, Bob Lehman, to learn the trade of a brick mason. With the start of the Vietnam War, Jim joined the Naval Sea Bees proudly serving his country in both the reserves and active duty, 1966 - 1972. During this time, he met the love of his life and wife of 56 years, Jeannine Nelson. They were married at CCC on September 27, 1969. After the war was over, they started their family with the arrival of Karen in 1973, Jennifer in 1976 and Timothy in 1978. He received his B.A. in Business Administration from Carthage College and chose to work into the Pitcher family business of Real Estate, Insurance and Construction. Alongside his family also opened up a pizza restaurant for a few years called Pizza Palace. Jim built many homes in the Zion and surrounding areas before starting off on his own business in the mid-80’s. After managing a successful business for many years, he officially retired in 2024. Jim created many precious memories with his family, from fishing trips up to Rainy Lake to summers spent in Door County. For many years he enjoyed bowling in both CCC men’s and co-ed leagues. Jim loved playing baseball and basketball, and organized family nights at the church gym that were enjoyed by many. His was a life of service, being a ZBTHS school board member beginning in 1985 for ten plus years, and choosing to spend his time supporting his children in so many of their different sports and activities ~ from cheerleading to softball to hockey, another constant being their involvement in church activities. James was a lifelong member of the Christian Catholic Church, a faithful supporter of their missionaries and Camp Zion. He also volunteered many years as an usher both Sunday service and the Zion Passion Play.

James was preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Clark and Violet (Irish) Pitcher, his siblings Atwood (Beverly) and Don (June) Pitcher; Lila (Robert) Lehman.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jeannine (Nelson) Pitcher; his children, Karen (Gary) Rudd, Jennifer (Lawrence) Finkler, Timothy (Heather) Pitcher; his grandchildren, Tobias, Gabriel, Moriah Rudd; Josiah, Noah, Alexandria, Isabella, Coralie Finkler; Tyler, Violet, and Rylend Pitcher; his many nieces and nephews; sister-in-law Pam (Dan) Engstrom; cousins-in-law Bonnie (Joseph) Shultis, Gregory (Ellen) Nagode, Judy (Bruce) Varker.

Visitation and memorial service will be held at Christ Community Church in Zion, IL, on Thursday, April 30th, at 3:00 p.m., with the service beginning at 4:00p.m..

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp Zion, P.O. Box 32, Ellison Bay, WI 54210, or through the following link;

https://campzion.com/donate