Hitchens, 72 DOVER - James Gilbert Hitchens was received by the Lord at the age of 72 on Wednesday, October 14, 2015. He passed peacefully in his home. He was born on January 9, 1943 in Seaford, the son of the late William and Grace Hastings of Seaford. James graduated from the Maryland School for the deaf in Fredrick, Md. in 1961. While at school, he excelled at sports, playing soccer, basketball, and running track for which he won several awards. After graduating, he moved to Baltimore, Md., where he lived for two years then moved to New York where he met the love of this life Marie Hitchens. James and Marie lived in New York with their children for several years after which he moved his family to Dover, to take a position as an aircraft sheet metal specialist with the U.S. Civil Service at Dover AFB. He retired from the Civil Service in 1996. A very creative and imaginative person, James had several hobbies such as gardening and decorating his house for every holiday. As an avid fisherman he won several competitions. James loved sports and was a die-hard fan of all Philadelphia professional sports teams. He loved NASCAR, harness racing and animals, and owned numerous household pets throughout his life. He was a kind, patient, noble, and wonderful man who loved his family with all his heart. James was reunited with his late wife Marie, they were married for 43 years. He is survived by his son, John DeLinois; and his daughters, Linda Weeks, Judy Goddard, Susan Hitchens and Dorothy Hitchens. He is also survived by his sisters, Denise Buchanon and Karen Ayotte; and brother, Bart Hastings all from Seaford. James adored his grandchildren, Justin, Kyle, Amanda, Alyssa, Amber, Alexis, Tyler, Jeremy, Cheyenne, Jacob and James. He also had a total of 12 great-grandchildren and took-in and cared for many other children throughout his life. A celebration of life service will be held at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at Torbert Funeral Home, 1145 East Lebanon Road (Rt10) Dover. Viewing will be from 3 p.m. to 5pm. The burial will be private. Letters of condolences may be sent and guest book signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.