James Hildreth

James Miller Hildreth, 72, of Houston, passed away Friday, February 24, 2017 in West Palm Beach, Florida.

James Miller Hildreth was born on September 26, 1944 in San Angelo, Texas. His parents, Margaret Miller and Jimmie Harrison Hildreth, were both in sales and moved from San Angelo to Dallas in the early 1950's. He graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1962, where he excelled in Speech and Public Speaking. Upon graduation, he moved to Houston to attend the University of Houston where he graduated in 1966 with a degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting. Jamie and his first wife welcomed Jeff in July 1966. After a brief stint at Hunt Wesson in sales, he'd start his lifelong love of broadcasting at KXYZ. A decade spent at radio stations like KTRM, KYND, and KRBE honed his incredible skill for closing the deal and cultivating relationships that would last a lifetime. The 70's were filled with rock and roll concerts, driving Corvettes, long hair (yes, he had hair), and gold chains. All the crazy times settled down when he met his wife, Theresa. It was truly love at first sight, three months later they were married on March 18, 1978. With Jeff by their side, they moved to Bear Creek and began life in the suburbs. On June 28, 1979, they welcomed Shane Miller to their beautiful family. Having a new family led him to continue his career in broadcasting sales with KLOL and KTRH. The move would be a catalyst to his success and eventual dream job with the Houston Astros, where he would continue for 30 seasons, living and breathing baseball to his last breath.

Jamie was full of life, constantly on stage, forever telling stories, and the life of the party who knew no stranger. But in his most private moments, he was quiet and loved nothing more than spending time with his wife, children, beautiful daughter-in-loves, and grandchildren. He went by Dude to those closest to him. Dude loved being with his dogs Blue and Babe, watching his grandchildren play sports, deep sea fishing and eating sloppy joe's in Key West, Tommy Bahama, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffett, reading, watching movies, and every Friday night at La Griglia, Table 10 for date night.

He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Theresa; sons, Jeffrey Lance Hildreth and wife Caroline, Shane Miller and wife Regay; his 5 beautiful grandchildren; Hayward, John, Alexandra, Audrey, and James; cousins, Bob and Donna Northway, Gay Northway and Roger Green.

You are invited to a Celebration of Jamie's Life. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, March 6, 2017 at Minute Maid Park from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Tropical Shirts and/or Astros Apparel are encouraged!

Honorary Pallbearers are Fred Arnold, Jeff Bagwell, Lance Berkman, Craig Biggio, Bill Brown, Bo Brown, Enos Cabell, Marshal Cohen, Larry Dierker, Phil Garner, Eddie Martiny, and Bill Worrell.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Astros Foundation in his honor. The Astros Foundation will create an annual scholarship in Jamie Hildreth's memory to go towards a student's tuition who is pursuing a broadcasting degree at the University of Houston. Donations can be made by visiting www.astros.com/donate and noting "In memory of Jamie Hildreth" when completing the form. Donations may also be made by emailing the Astros Foundation at foundation@astros.com.

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