James D. "Jim" Pittman

Pittman, James D. "Jim" Of Aurora, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loved ones on Sunday, December 2, 2012. His heroic battle with cancer caught all of us unaware, even him. When we discovered what was wrong, it was too late, and he was gone in a month. He is now, perhaps, playing golf in heaven with Ray Thill. Jim was born June 5, 1930 in Aurora, the son of the late Herman and Ellen (Roots) Pittman. He attended Bardwell Elementary School, Immanuel Grade School and East Aurora High School. He earned letters in track and football and some fame with his quickness and speed. He attended Indiana State University and later transferred to Aurora College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. He spent two years in the U.S. Army at Ft. Sill, OK. Upon returning to Aurora, he began teaching at Benjamin Franklin Junior High. His motto in teaching was, "don't smile until after the first month of school," which undoubtedly earned him the title of "Sarge." After teaching Junior High, he moved to West Aurora High School, where he taught Biology for 34 years. He coached golf for several years, taking them downstate several times. He also coached sophomore basketball for many years. During his teaching career he gained his Masters of Education at University of Illinois. Jim was also part owner of the video store, "Images on Video," in Aurora for several years, and sold real estate with McEnroe Real Estate of Aurora for many years. He retired in 1992 and entered the "golden years" of retirement. He "worked" part time as a Starter and Marshall at Orchard Valley Golf Course for 20 years. He was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Golden Kiwanis and National Education Association. He also volunteered as a "Helping Hand" at Dryer Medical Center. His special delights were his family and his love of travel. During these years he traveled quite extensively. The highlight of his travels was playing golf at the old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland. He is survived by his wife, Doris (Kettelson) Pittman of 60 years; his four children, Craig (Jan) Pittman, Kristi Hoffmann, Scott (Kim) Pittman and Kim (Tom) Thill. His nine grandchildren, Kyle and Bryan Pittman, Jake, Gavin (Tiffany), CJ Hayes, and Andrew Hoffman, Noelle Pittman, Samuel and Jack Thill; and one great-granddaughter, Eva Lynn Hayes. He is also survived by his sister, Marijo (William) Spick, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held 1-4 p.m. Sunday, December 9, 2012 at The Healy Chapel, 332 W. Downer Pl., Aurora. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, December 10, 2012 at St. Olaf Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1233 Douglas Rd. Montgomery, IL. Interment will be private at Platteville Lutheran Cemetery. For further information, please call (630) 897-9291 or visit our website at www.healychapel.com to sign the online guestbook.

Published in Beacon News on December 7, 2012