Theodore C. Litz Jr., affectionately known as Jim, was a true “good ole’ boy” at heart—a man who loved his family, his country, music, the outdoors, and a good ole’ time. He found joy in the simple things: a song he loved, a story from years gone by, time spent outdoors, and, above all, having his family together.
Jim was born in Peekskill, New York, on February 1, 1944 and peacefully departed this life surrounded by the love of his family on August 21, 2026 and welcomed into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father, and his parents, Theodore C. Sr. and Florence Irene, who had gone before him.
Jim’s greatest pride was his family. He was happiest when everyone was together, and he quietly held a wish that all of his children and grandchildren would move back home, filling the family home with liveliness. His family was his anchor, and he was theirs—a steady, reliable presence they could always turn to. He was a man of integrity, honesty, deep emotion and unwavering loyalty, a grounding force and safe harbor for the people he loved.
Left to cherish Jim’s memory is his wife, Loralee who was his true north and the center of his world. From the very first day they met until his final breath, their unwavering devotion to one another was a beautiful testament of over fifty years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with family, laughter, traditions, and countless memories.
To his children—Mark, Maureen, James, and Meghan—their dad was their rock and their refuge. He was the person they could count on, no matter what. He offered his love without conditions, his advice when it was needed or not, and his steady presence simply because that was who he was.
To his grandchildren, Arielle, Rebekah, and Jayden, and his great-grandchild, Luna, he was Poppy—a constant source of selfless love, encouragement, wisdom, and unconditional support. He was a grandfather who showed his love not only in words, but in the countless ways he was there for them.
To his sister’s Elizabeth and Linda, Jim was the logical-minded peacemaker and negotiator, often the one who could bring everyone back together if things became difficult. They knew him as a safe harbor and a bridge to harmony. His brother, Robert, was not only his sibling but his lifelong best friend.
Jim was a proud American and carried his patriotism throughout his life. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and served as a Specialist Five (SP5), MOS 16B, Hercules Missile Crewman, in the Artillery branch. During the Cold War, he was assigned to the 509th U.S. Army Artillery Detachment in West Germany. Holding a Top-Secret clearance, he worked as an electronics and fire-control technician, testing and safeguarding the nuclear warheads and equipment of a Nike Hercules air-defense missile installation under NATO’s nuclear-sharing program.
He was honorably discharged from active duty in February 1968 and completed his remaining service obligation in the Army Reserve until October 1971. He was also the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal. His military service was something he carried with pride for the rest of his life.
Jim took the same pride in his work. He dedicated 30 years to IBM, where he served as a Senior Lab Specialist and Manager, before ending his career with Cardinal Health as a Maintenance Specialist. He was a natural problem solver who took great satisfaction in understanding how things worked. If something was broken, he would find a way to fix it. He could fix anything.
Jim loved telling stories of days gone by—stories about his extended family, those who had gone before him, and the army buddies and experiences that remained a treasured part of his life. He could bring the past to life with a story, and there was always another memory waiting to be shared.
He was also a lifelong learner, and his curiosity never seemed to have an end. He continually expanded his knowledge, spending hours reading, watching programs, attending lectures, and learning everything he could about everything. He taught himself how to program a CNC machine and later poured that knowledge, patience, and precision into woodworking, creating beautiful keepsakes that will be treasured by his family for generations.
The outdoors gave Jim another place to feel completely at home. He was a lifetime member of the Walden Sportsman Club and Wallkill Rod and Gun Club and a member of the NRA. He was passionate about archery, trap shooting, fly fishing, and managing nuisance wildlife for the DEC.
Some of his happiest family memories were made outdoors, including the many days spent camping at Mongaup Pond—affectionately known as Camp Litz. Those days were filled with family, food, laughter, and the simple pleasures Jim cherished most. Camp Litz became more than a place; it became part of the family story that will continue to be told for years to come.
And then there were the things that simply made Jim, Jim.
He was a fiercely loyal New York Jets fan, spending every autumn Sunday coaching the team from his recliner as their self-appointed sideline manager.
His unfiltered sense of humor flavored with the essence of generations gone by.
He loved holidays and birthdays—because they meant everyone would be gathered around the table in conversation, laughter, and the table would be filled with his wife’s delicious food including Jim’s own personal overflowing boat of gravy.
Jim embraced life and enjoyed its simple pleasures. He loved his family, his friends, his country, his work, the outdoors, a good song, and the satisfaction of learning something new. He didn’t need much to be happy. What mattered most was having the people he loved close by.
His legacy is not only in the things he accomplished, the work he did, the places he served, or the things he built with his hands. His greatest legacy lives in the people he loved and in the sense of security he gave them.
It lives in the lessons he taught, sometimes the unspoken ones: be honest. Stand by your family. Keep learning. Fix what you can. Make peace when possible. Take pride in your work. And never take for granted the simple joy of having everyone together.
He will be missed beyond words, but the home he built in the hearts of his family will always be full.
May he rest peacefully, knowing that the people he loved most will carry him with them, always.
As he would always say to us:
“Love you more.”
We love you more,
Always.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 18, at 1:00 p.m. at the Ulster County Veterans Cemetery, located on the grounds of New Paltz Rural Cemetery, 81 Plains Road, New Paltz, NY 12561.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Tunnels to Tower Foundation, T2T.org
Arrangements were made by Millspaugh Funeral Directors.
For directions or condolences please visit millspaughfuneralhome.com