James (Jim, Jimbo, Tata) Phillip Hibbitts, 64, of Ventura passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of May 9th, 2014. Jim was born in Patuxent River, Maryland on December 20th, 1949 to his late parents James E. and Phyllis E. Hibbitts. As part of a military family, he came to Ventura County by way of Hawaii in 1967. Soon after graduating from Channel Islands High School, he enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Jim proudly served his Country in the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) as door gunner aboard UH-1 Hueys. After his honorable discharge from the Army in 1976, Jim worked various jobs until he began his civil service career at the Public Works Department, Naval Base Ventura County from 1980 until his retirement in 2013.
Jim will always be remembered for his gentle kindness and generous nature. He was quick to engage total strangers and become friends within minutes as he loved to listen to their stories because to him it mattered. Jim was there to lend a helping hand, give words of encouragement or a shoulder to lean on. He wanted the best for everyone and would put others before himself. An avid reader, Jim could be found enjoying one of the many novels in his science fiction collection preferably in the quiet solace among the redwoods of Northern California. His big smile and big hugs will be fondly remembered.
He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years Irene Hibbitts, sister Phyllis Hibbitts, daughter Jennifer Lohmiller (Gary), stepsons Andru Ortiz (Marie) and Alfred Ortiz, Aunt Erma Mason, Uncles William Guenther, Joseph Guenther and James Guenther, grandchildren Loree Lohmiller, Logan Lohmiller, Aiden Lohmiller, Jeanette Ortiz and Freddy Ortiz.
In honor of how Jim wanted his memorial, a celebration of his life will be on Thursday, May 22nd, 2014 at the Pierpont Inn (Anacapa room), Ventura, Ca. The celebration will start at 3:00 pm.
Arrangements are under the direction of JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, VENTURA.