AUBURN < James H. Pitcher, 79, of First Avenue, Auburn, died Monday, June 16, 2008, at his family home. Mr. Pitcher was born in Auburn on July 17, 1928. He was the son of the late Howard Pitcher and Juilette O"Connor Pitcher. He was a veteran of World War II, having served his country with the Marine Corps. Jim was a graduate of Holy Family High School. He went on to receive an associate degree from LeMoyne College and his masters in teaching from Syracuse University. For more than 28 years, he was a business teacher with the Auburn school district. He taught at both Auburn Central High School and Auburn High School, and had previously taught in the Syracuse school district. Jim was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and had been a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians for more than 30 years. He was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church. He enjoyed listening to jazz music and was an avid camper and fisherman. Mr. Pitcher is survived by his son, Michael Pitcher, of Owasco; his daughter, Michele Cuddy and her husband Paul, of Owasco; four grandchildren, JT and Erin Pitcher and Ryan and Reagan Cuddy; a sister, Shirley Buschman, of Auburn; a sister-in-law, Ann (David) Hawelka, of Auburn; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Betty J. Pitcher, in 2005. Family prayer services will be at 10:45 a.m. Friday, June 20 at White Chapel Funeral Home, 197 South St., Auburn, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 11:30 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church. Burial will be in St. Joseph"s Cemetery, Fleming. Friends are invited to call on the family from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 19 at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of James Pitcher may be made to Sacred Heart Church or to the charity of one"s choice. To send a message to the family, sign our guest book at www.auburnpub.com and click on obituaries.
