James Edward Hoyt

James Edward Hoyt, age 94, of Hiawassee, Georgia, passed away on December 7, 2025, in Hiawassee, GA. He was born in Arlington, Vermont, on July 1, 1931, to the late Cyril Clark Hoyt and Rose Flora Willis Hoyt. James was also preceded in death by siblings; Cyril, Irene, Ted, Tom, and Fred.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Ellen Hoyt; children, Susan Campbell, Salem NY, Robert Hoyt, NY City, NY, Michael Hoyt, Rochester, NY, step-daughters, Karen Crawford, MA, Autumn Braxton, FL, ten grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren; siblings, Ralph, Duane, Gene, and Annie. Jim is also survived by many beloved friends of American Legion Post 23 and VFW Post 7807 of Hiawassee, GA.

Growing up, his next door neighbor was Norman Rockwell the well known American artist. After high school, Jim attended Vermont School of Agriculture and acquired a one- year degree in animal husbandry. After Ag school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in January of 1951. He was honored to be able to serve his great Country of the United States. He always lived by the concepts of "duty, honor, country." After basic aviation school, he chose jet engine schooling. He volunteered for the Flight Line and was transferred to Lackland AFB and, assigned to the new B-45 flight line crew. Jim served until December 1954 and honorably discharged. 

He returned to the University of Vermont and was employed at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft earning a BA degree in June 1960. He went to work for John Deere and a passionate career resulted. He served offices in Pennsylvania, Syracuse, Hamilton, Ontario, Minneapolis, Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming. He worked in Sales, Sales management, advertising, tractor demonstrations, future programs and introduction of John Deere products all over Canada and Northern USA. He retired from John Deere on June 1, 1986. 

As a member of the American Legion in 1957 throughout his career, when he moved to Hiawassee, GA in 2005, he became involved in service. In 2009, he took over as Post Commander and served with distinction. He was life member of the VFW. He and his wife, Brenda, served other veterans throughout North Georgia. They both served faithfully in the VFW Thrift Store. When it came to "duty, honor, country, Jim served well. 

A memorial service gathering is scheduled for VFW Post 7807 on January 11, 2026, starting at 3 pm in Hiwassee, GA. 

Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of James Edward Hoyt. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www. cochranmcdaniel.com