Obituary of Jimmy Hightower

Jimmy Charles Hightower, 68 of Chico, CA, entered into rest October 21, 2009 in Chico. Born October 2, 1941 in Oroville CA to Arthur and Sadie Hightower, Jim was raised in Chico with his brothers, William, Arthur and sister Bettie. He attended Chico High School before entering the Army at age 17. He was stationed in Erlangen, Germany where he met Elfriede Rammig. After a few short months of dating, Jim decided to re-enlist so that he could continue to date and marry Elfriede. He often said that upon returning from Germany he brought back a VW and a wife and he held on to the better of the two. When returning to Chico, Jim went to work at Rexnord where he worked for 20+ years until the company closed. It was at that time that he went to work with his brother Bill at Hightower Masonry, which Jim eventually bought out. It is difficult to drive around the city of Chico without seeing some of the beautiful masonry work that he created. Jim loved the work he did and the contractors he worked with. He also loved deer hunting with his son Robert, especially the annual hunting trip they made each year to Colorado with a group of great friends. He also enjoyed pheasant hunting, fishing and BBQing for his family. He was a master at the grill. Jim is survived by his wife of 47 years, Elfriede Hightower of Chico; son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Vicki Hightower of Chico; daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and Ray Becka of Chico; sister, Bettie Stevens of Chico; and grandchildren, Reagan Hightower, Joshua and Jennifer Becka of Chico and Danny Smetak and wife Kim of Redding; great-grandchildren, Baylee and Peyton of Redding and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Sadie; brothers, William, Arthur and Jerry Joe and grandson, Charles William. Services will be held Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Glen Oaks, with a celebration of Jim's life to follow the service at the Eagles Hall. Jim recently became friends with the Pastor and Director of Docsek Orphanage, Shern Kaumba. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's memory to Orphan Care International at www.docsekorphanage.org or in care of Brusie Funeral Home