Obituary of James C. Titus

James “Jim” Clifton Titus

May 9, 1943 – October 15, 2024

James “Jim” Clifton Titus passed away peacefully on October 15, 2024, with his wife and daughters by his side. Born on May 9, 1943, to Burt and Marguerite Titus in Muttontown, New York, Jim cherished his childhood on the family's serene property, where he cultivated a deep passion for landscaping, horticulture, and dendrology.

Throughout his youth, Jim and his brother Peter spent summers at the family’s home in Noyack, NY, enjoying countless days exploring the beach, fishing, and creating cherished family memories. These experiences fostered a lifelong love for nature and the outdoors.

Jim graduated from Jericho High School in 1961 and then attended Plymouth Academy, where he competed in crew. He continued his education at Farmingdale College on Long Island, earning a degree in horticulture. Jim further pursued his passion by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia. He served honorably in the U.S. Army as a cartographer in Saigon during the Vietnam War before returning to work for the City of New York. Throughout his career, Jim dedicated himself to designing and shaping the public spaces of New York City, contributing to parks, plazas, and green spaces that enhanced the urban landscape and enriched the lives of its residents.

In 1973, Jim met Phyllis at a wedding. They married in 1985 and were blessed with two daughters, Jennifer and Amy. Jim loved sharing the joys of his childhood summers with his daughters at the family’s Noyack home, where they spent their days exploring the beach and enjoying the timeless pleasures he had cherished in his youth.

A man of many passions, Jim had a lifelong love for model trains and devoted countless hours to building and perfecting his collections. Every Christmas, he would set up a train display under the family tree, a cherished tradition that brought joy to family and friends alike. He also shared a deep and unwavering bond with his cat, Muffy, whose companionship brought him immense joy and comfort. Additionally, Jim had a keen interest in his family roots and the history of Jericho, including its older farms and families. He made significant contributions of historical information and ephemera to the Jericho Public Library, preserving the rich heritage of the community for future generations.

Even after retiring in 2005, Jim's enthusiasm for landscaping and gardening never waned. He spent much of his time outdoors, tending to the same Muttontown property he had cared for since his youth. Jim delighted in sharing his extensive knowledge of the trees on his land; he could tell you everything from their Latin names to their growth habits and would happily spend hours discussing each one's unique characteristics with genuine enthusiasm.

In his retirement, Jim dedicated 14 years as a trustee and 10 years as Treasurer for the Jericho Friends Meeting House Complex, serving with commitment and care. His Quaker faith was an integral part of his life, and his service to the community reflected his deep-rooted values. He also served as Treasurer for the Friends Meeting Charity Society, following in his father's footsteps. The society sought to provide educational resources to the victims of slavery and remains active today, continuing Jim’s legacy of compassion and service.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis Titus; his daughters, Jennifer Titus and her husband, Shawn Picard, and Amy Milliner and her husband, James Milliner; his brother, Peter Titus, and sister-in-law, Faye Titus; and his cherished grandchildren, Danica Picard and Chloe Milliner. He is also survived by extended families of Monfort, Anschutz, and Titus relations. He was predeceased by his parents, Burt and Marguerite Titus.

A service to honor Jim’s life will be held at the Jericho Friends Meeting House on Saturday, November 23, at 11:00 a.m. In keeping with his Quaker faith, the service will include a period of Open Worship, a time of silent reflection during which family, friends, and guests of all faith traditions are welcome to share a message, prayer, or personal thought.