of Little Rock, AR
May 30, 1940 - October 8, 2023
James Dean ''Jim'' Pitcock, 83, died on October 8, 2023, after a brief illness. He spent most of his professional career in the Arkansas television news industry and was honored in 2017 for lifetime achievement with an Emmy Award from the Mid-America Chapter of the National Academy of Arts and Sciences. Jim credited the late Pat Porta of Fort Smith for his successful career after he hired him in 1957 to work at KFSA-TV in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Born May 30, 1940, at St. Edwards Hospital in Fort Smith to Reeves and Leona Pitcock, he was the last surviving member of a family that included seven siblings: Emma Jean Sagely, Bill Pitcock, Bob Pitcock, Betsy Westphal, Donna Schroeder, and younger brother Jerry Pitcock. For 40 years the brothers all worked in the broadcasting industry. The siblings were especially proud of their great-grandfather, Deputy U.S. Marshal William Polk Pitcock, who rode with Dep. Marshal Bass Reeves in the Western United States for Federal District Judge Isaac C. Parker. Jim's namesake, great uncle James A. ''Jim'' Pitcock, served as Superintendent of the Arkansas State Prison, and later retired as Chief of Police in Little Rock.
Jim's professional career included working at KFSA radio and KFSA-TV in Fort Smith, KCCL radio in Paris, KAAY radio in Little Rock, and over 32 years in the newsroom at Little Rock's KATV, Channel 7. During that time, he brought the world to Arkansas reporting from numerous political conventions, the Soviet Union, Romania, Vietnam, and 42 states. He traveled to every Arkansas county ''at least three times'' during his career reporting on the state's news, politics, and people.
Later in life, Jim spent nearly 10 years working with Arkansas Attorney General, and United States Senator, Mark Pryor.
Jim is survived by his four children: Jeff (Lori) Pitcock, Chris (Andreae) Pitcock of Little Rock, Len (Kathleen) Pitcock of Hot Springs, and Sandy (Rob) McAuley of Little Rock. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Carter Pitcock, ''Kapi'' Pitcock, Brigid (Donald) Chapman, Madison Pitcock, Rogers Polk Pitcock, Shelby (Jake) Martin and J.R. (Hannah) McAuley; and 5 great-grandchildren. He was ''Big Jim'' to his family and enjoyed spending countless hours at birthday parties, school events and holiday gatherings.
Jim was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod.
A memorial service will be held at St. James United Methodist Church in Little Rock on Thursday, October 12th at 10am with a reception following. A private graveside service will take place in Fort Smith. Honorary pallbearers are Bennie Westphal, Johnny Sagely, B.J. Sams, Paul Johnson, Ray Tucker, Tim Hamilton, Jim Casey, Randy Dixon, Norm Blasingame, and Pat Baldwin.
The family remains eternally grateful to the staff of UAMS and Briarwood Nursing and Rehabilitation for their unmatched level of care and service.
Memorials may be made to The David and Barbara Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History at the University of Arkansas or to the Jim Pitcock Scholarship Fund c/o The University of Arkansas School of Journalism and Strategic Media, 205 Kimpel Hall, Fayetteville, AR 72701.
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12 Condolence(s)
Len Taliaferro
Friday, October 13, 2023
I met Jim Pitcock when was an editor/reporter for the Associated Press and Jim was calling in news stories to the AP from KFSA. The AP paid him 50-cents for routine stories and as much as $3.00 for "big" stories. After about six months, Jim announced he was joining KAAY as news director and wanted to know if I needed a roommate. I lived in an attic apartment in a little frame house a block east of the Capitol. It was NOT a showplace but it did have two bedrooms. We spent three great years as roommates before he married and started raising a family. I eventually left the AP, and then Arkansas and lost touch. In 2017, I made my last trip to Arkansas for my 50th wedding anniversary and asked a mutual friend about Jim. I was mistakenly told that he had passed away several years before. I truly regret that I didn't get a chance to renew our friendship but I know I'll be seeing him again... and pretty soon at that.
Kurt Davis
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Jim will be missed, his knowledge of Arkansas history and politics will never be matched. Jim gave me an opportunity at KATV-TV and things haven’t been the same since. He loved his family and he love his garden. Thanks for the box of fresh vegetables, you will always be remembered and respected as an institution in Arkansas. Rest in Peace my friend and all the best to your family.
Cheryl Steele
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Dear Len, Kathleen, and Rogers,
I’m am so sorry for your loss of your Father, Father-in-Love and grandfather.
Our hearts are with you and you are in our prayers, mine, mom and Aunt Donna.
May The Lord Jesus Christ give you His comfort, peace and strength at this difficult time as you miss and grieve your loss. And remember, One Day Closer we are to never having to say goodbye ever again. ????????????
Theresa Wallent
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Jim hired me green out of college and expected my best. He allowed me to take on responsibility beyond that of my initial hire. It was my pleasure to work with a fabulous group of professionals he handpicked. Much love to all the Pitcock family.
Jason Pederson
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
I interviewed Jim last year for a book I'm working on. Jim was instrumental in launching KATV's "7 On Your Side" franchise in 1987. All the Arkansans who have been assisted by Channel 7 over the past 35+ years owe Jim Pitcock a debt of gratitude. He was a visionary.
Tonya Goza Hass
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
My deepest heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I am so honored to have held a small space in Big Jim’s life. He was truly a remarkable man. The lack of his presence will be felt by so many! Love and peace to you all during this most difficult time.
With love and utmost respect,
Tonya
Henry and Mary Ann Griffin
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
So sorry to lose a good friend and great person . Attended Christ Lutheran Church many
years with Jim and his family. Will always cherish the memories of our families having fun
at our place on Greers Ferry Lake. Our only trip to theKentucky Derby was with Jim and his wife. We had a blast and “won the race to boot” !! Our condolences to Jim’s family.
Doug Purifoy
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
It's unfortunate that I was unable to have an opportunity to meet Mr. Pitcock. I remember listening to his reporting of the news many times. Always professional
In his delivery. He will be missed. Not too many around could do what he did. My prayers go out to his family and many friends.
Dewey Spencer
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
As a news maker in the 1970s and 80s, Jim was easy to work with as KATV-Ch. 7 news director. He showed me the early collection of news film that later become his great credit to today’s archive. Always a gentleman and professional, I was sad to hear of Jim’s passing.
Dusty Maxwell
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Great man that i was fortunate to know. RIP Jim
Kymara Seals
Monday, October 9, 2023
Sharing my sincere condolences with Jim’s family. I worked with Jim at Senator Pryor’s Office and I learned so much from listening to him share his stories of lived experiences. He was a great colleague.
Peace to your family.
Rick Hodge
Monday, October 9, 2023
Thanks for the memories as a kid growing up in Arkansas!