James Howard Hotnit

Obituary for James “Jimmy” Howard Hotnit October 17, 1938 – July 6, 2023 James “Jimmy” Howard Hotnit was born on October 17, 1938, the son of John Leroy Hotnit and Angeline Gertrude Essex Hotnit, in Lancaster, Ohio, the fourth of eight children. At the time of his demise, he resided in Suitland, MD. Jimmy received his education in the Kanawha County, West Virginia public school system, and attended DuPont High School. Upon being drafted for military service, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, receiving his basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. His tour of duty included an overseas assignment in the European Theatre (USAREUR/France). His specialty was Engineering and Equipment Maintenance. He received an honorable discharge in 1964, separating from Ft. Hamilton, New York. After his military career, he began working in the hospitality industry at the Daniel Boone Hotel in Charleston, West Virginia, one of Charleston’s most premier hotels. He remained in its employ until the hotel closed in 1981, after which he was employed at the Charleston Convention Center. After moving to the Washington, DC area, he employed at the World Bank. Jimmy received his Christian training at a young age under the spiritual guidance of his grandparents, the late Rev. John Wesley Essex and Hallie Roberta Essex. When he moved to Washington, DC, he joined A.P. Shaw United Methodist Church, under the leadership of the late Rev. E.W. Stevenson, Sr., and served as a Senior Usher. Occasionally, he attended Union Temple Baptist Church with Charlotte. Health issues prevented him from attending church regularly, but he continued studying his Bible, his daily devotionals and praying until the Lord called him home on July 6, 2023. One of his favorite scriptures was Psalm 23. He was very generous, a man of few words, who enjoyed being around his family at whatever event they found themselves gathering – birthday celebrations, holidays, reunions and cookouts. Jimmy loved eating and dining out! He loved baseball and would spend hours watching the games, and even had an opportunity to go to a Washington Nationals game with his nephew Eric. Jimmy loved music – old school, jazz and gospel, and might even get up and “cut a rug”. He looked forward to reading the Washington Post newspaper (especially the sports section) and working its “Second Glance” puzzles. He enjoyed playing bingo and working puzzles from the handouts sent to him as a member of Sibley Hospital Senior Association program. He could be found sitting in his favorite chair, watching the goings and comings in his neighborhood. The neighbors knew and looked out for his interest, and on many occasions brought him food to eat. He was preceded in death by his father, John Leroy Hotnit, his mother, Angeline Essex Hotnit Dow, his step-father Robert (Daddy Bob) Elijah Dow; his siblings (in order of deaths) Betty Hotnit Williams, Carl Eugene Hotnit, Dorothy Seabrook and Wendell Franklin Hotnit. He leaves behind his children: Gloria McCormick (Joseph), Dewight Robinson (Monica), Pamela Robinson (Lloyd), Victoria Robinson, Edna Hotnit and Marsha Robinson; two sisters, Charlotte Jefferson and Joyce Dow Harris (James A.G.) and one brother, Elijah Robert Dow (Wakeyla); nine grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

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James Howard Hotnit

October 17, 1938 - July 6, 2023