James Alvin Pitts

James (Jim) Alvin Pitts was born on May 1, 1930, in Cherokee Iowa.  He was the son of Alvin and Mary (Linnemann) Pitts. Soon after graduating from Highview High School, Jim joined the Air Force and served during the Korean conflict until 1954 when he returned home to the family farm.

On November 22, 1956, Jim married Edith L. Verdon at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. They lived and farmed in Buena Vista county where they raised their five children.  In 2001 they retired and moved to Spencer IA. He was a member of St. Joseph (Sioux Rapids) and Sacred Heart (Spencer) Catholic churches.  He served on many church committees and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Dancing, playing cards, bowling and sledding with the grandchildren were some of his favorite things. He was well known for his knife sharpening and mechanic skills. Common sense, humility, honesty, a dry sense of humor and a deep faith were his strengths.

He loved his family, he loved to laugh and he loved helping others! He was devoted to his wife, children and grandchildren. He enjoyed telling stories of the great memories he had and staying connected to loved ones was very important to him.  He was always ready to lend a helping hand or share a joke depending on which was needed most.  He is loved and adored by his family and his beautiful smile and twinkle in his eye will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

On Tuesday, August 7^th, 2018, Jim, surrounded by his family, died at the age of 88 years.  He was proceeded in death by his parents; brother, Bill Pitts; 2 sisters, Imelda McDermott and Shirley Kennedy. He is survived by his wife Edith; children, Melinda (Jim) Megel of Alexandria, MN, James (Jenn) Pitts of Lockhart TX, Lori (Dan) Winegarden of Clear Lake, IA, Alicia (Tim) Panyard of Ames, IA and Charles (Marge) Pitts of Spencer, IA; 9 grandchildren: Nathan Megel (fiancée, Heather), Jena Megel, Kendra Pitts, Noli Pitts, Tenzin Pitts, Amanda Winegarden, Emily (Chris) Athy, Elliott Panyard and Andrew Panyard; 2 sisters, Rosemary Westphal & Marlys Alldredge and many beloved nieces and nephews.

SERVICES

OFFICIATING

CASKET BEARERS

VISITATION

INTERMENT