James H. Hite

James H. Hite, a man of strength, integrity, and unwavering work ethic, passed away on October 16, 2024, in Bend, Oregon. Born on February 13, 1951, in Prairie City, Oregon, to Edgar Hite and Marie (Jackson) Hite, Jim grew up in the rural communities of Vale, Drewsey, and Harper. He graduated from Harper High School in 1969 and went on to serve his country in the United States Army from 1971 to 1973, specializing as an SP4 auto mechanic during his stationing in Germany.

In 1980, Jim married Emily Bernard on February 16 at the Post Grange Hall, after a brief courtship that began with a blind date arranged by her brother, Jerry Bernard. Their marriage of 44 years was marked by devotion, shared values, and a deep love for the simple, country life they built together.

A man of many skills, Jim’s career included time spent at Les Schwab, Bedortha Ranch, Wallowa Lake Irrigation District and several years spent managing his own successful contracting business. Known for his perfectionism and craftsmanship, he took pride in his work building fences, pole barns, and custom haying. Jim was the kind of man who could fix anything and was happiest when working outdoors, surrounded by the land he loved.

Jim enjoyed participating in team roping and calf roping, and in his younger years, competed in bronc and bull riding. His passion
for the outdoors also extended to hunting, fishing, and golf, which he enjoyed throughout his life.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Emily Hite; his mother, Marie Martin (Wayne) of Prineville; his children, Charlotte Hubble (Shane) of La Grande, Tamara Minor (Scott) of Culver, and Jim Hite (Jill) of Enterprise. He is also survived by his siblings Don Hite, Jack Hite (Debbie), Faye Cooley (Tim), Nancy Smith, and John Hite (Terri); several grandchildren and greatgrandchildren,
who affectionately knew him as Papa; and many nieces and nephews who treasured their Uncle Jim. He was preceded in death by his father, Edgar Hite, and his siblings, Gerald Hite and Joan Andersen.

Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Partners in Care Hospice House in Bend, OR; St. Mary’s Providence Cancer Center in Walla Walla, WA; or the Johnathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Center in Walla Walla, WA.

James H. Hite will be remembered as a hardworking, honest man whose legacy lives on in the family he loved, the friendships he cherished, and the life of integrity he led.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James H. Hite, please visit our floral store.