James S. Hightower, 80, of Hutchinson, died April 27, 2011, at his home in Hutchinson.

He was born Dec. 26, 1930, the son of Mark S. and Dorothy McGraw Hightower.

He attended school in Altus, Okla. and was a veteran of both the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, having served as an M.P. while stationed in Japan. He moved to Hutchinson in 1962, and worked at Detroiter Mobile Homes. He later worked at Cessna Fluid Power/ Eaton Corp, retiring after 20 years. He was a member of American Legion Lysle Rishel Post #68, the Gold Wing Motorcycle Assn., and C.E.C. through Eaton Corp.

He married Mary Hopkins on July 14, 1954, in Enid, Okla. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include: two daughters, Jamie Borders and husband Monte of Medora and Connie Crenshaw of Hudson, Fla.; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Johnny Hightower, two sisters, Earldean Long and Lenora Refone, and a grandson, Gary Borders in 1976.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday, May 2, 2011, at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson, with Chaplain Randall Turner presiding. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by U. S. Army Honor Guard from Ft. Riley, Kan. Visitation will be Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the family greeting friends Sunday 6 to 8 p.m., all at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson.

Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice Care of Kansas, sent in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, Kansas 67501.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave condolences for the family.