Jeffery "Jeff" James Houtz, age 70, of Pittsboro, died Sunday, September 18, 2022 at the SECU Jim and Betsy Bryan Hospice Home. He was born on August 4,1952, in Hempstead, Long Island, New York. Jeff loved animals of all kinds, especially cats, horses, and they returned his kindnesses with their affection. He loved the outdoors, and spent time hiking, fishing, skiing, and admiring the beauty of the natural world. He traveled, as he would say, to see "the beauty". He is survived by his friends, family, and the one who loved him the most.