Obituary: James M. "Jimmy" Pitchford

James M. “Jimmy” Pitchford went home to be with his Lord on Monday, April 13, 2020, at Inspired Living Ocoee. He was born Feb. 4, 1926, in Scottsville, Kentucky, to Roy R. Pitchford and Frances E. Hall.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He graduated from Bowling Green College of Commerce with an Accounting degree, where he met Jean Reddick of Winter Garden. After they married in 1948, he earned his MBA at the University of Florida. They settled in Tildenville, living above Reddick’s Market where, after a year with the W.O. Daley Accounting firm in Orlando, he joined his father-in-law, J.S. Reddick, in the grocery business. He learned that sitting behind a desk wasn’t for him.

He and Jean built their home in 1953, on North Dillard Street in Winter Garden. In 1960, he left the partnership and created J&F Supermarkets, Inc. Over the years, he, along with family and dedicated employees, was able to build a small chain of Ready Market convenience stores throughout Central Florida and two supermarkets. He was grateful to the Winter Garden Development Company for giving him the opportunity to build his first supermarket, Jimmy’s Thriftway, on Plant Street in 1965.

He was a longtime member of Oakland Presbyterian Church, where he served as deacon, elder and a founding member of the Men’s Prayer Breakfast. He was a past president of the Winter Garden Rotary Club and a recipient of The Paul Harris Fellow and was bestowed the honor of Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of Kentucky. In addition, he was a Director of Certified Grocers, Inc. in Ocala; president of the Florida Retail Grocers Association; a longtime member of Gator Boosters, Inc.; former member of the Bull Gator Club; and a founding member of the West Orange Country Club. He was a member of the Winter Garden Masonic Lodge #165 and the Scottish Rite Orlando.

He loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and playing golf. He was a people person who loved life.  His unique and infectious laugh will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his daughters, Jill Pitchford-Dunn (Larry Dunn), Jeanne Pitchford, and Kim Dannenberg (Wayne); his grandchildren, James P. “Jimmy” Dunn (Jennie) and Erin J. Pearce (Bryan); his great-grandchildren, Taylor and Darby Dunn, Ethan and Avery Pearce; and his loving caregiver, Trish Britton. His celebration of life will be held at Oakland Presbyterian Church at a later date.

DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory West Orange was in charge of arrangements.