James G Pittman

Jim was born June 27, 1945 in Grand Island, NE as the youngest of three boys to John Max Pittman and Lela Pittman. He passed away at home on Feb 2, 2020. Jim’s Dad was killed in World War II before he was born. His mother remarried in 1947 and a sister was born in 1949. In 1949 the family moved to Olympia, WA Jim attended grade school & high school in Olympia graduating from OHS in 1963. He was a lifelong “Bear”, remaining highly active with classmates planning many reunions and almost monthly gatherings, staying in touch and building friendships. In his senior year he qualified for the state wrestling championships. He did not place at state, but his wrestling ability helped to secure a scholarship Washington State College. His work career started as a buyer for Weyerhaeuser tree growing facilities in Washington & Oregon for eleven years, then 22 years for Puget Power as a lineman. He also tended bar at the Jacaranda Restaurant in Olympia for three years a job he said, “I truly loved”. While working at Puget Power he fell from 30 feet up a power pole and he was not expected to live. He was in a coma for 14 days, in a wheelchair seven months and in rehab for five years. Yet through it all was able to return to work within a year. He said, “at one of the worst times of my life I know my family pulled me through”. Ten years ago, Jim met Rose Carver, who he said “it was at a time in my life that I thought I would probably live out my days alone. She was a blessing and we enjoyed wonderful times together”. Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his two brothers John, who passed away just five days after Jim’s death & Gary(Debbie) and his sister Marlene Warner, his former wife Carol Brigden and their son David Pittman (Kaylee) and daughter Christin Berkman (Alex), his former wife Susan Pittman and their daughter Sara Colson-Samply (Mike) and their son Michael Jamie Pittman. He is survived by grandchildren Blake, Hunter, Chase, Jordan, Jessie, Katie, and Ryan. He is also survived by his companion, Rose Carver. Jim enjoyed sports, travel, fishing and gambling. His schedule in recent years included shooting pool on Tuesdays, poker on Thursdays and golf (weather permitting). He had many friends whom he cared for deeply. He will be missed.

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