James “Jim” Calvin Pittman, age 82, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully at the Missouri Veteran’s Home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri, on March 29, 2023. Jim was born to Clois Allen Pittman and Mariam Elizabeth (Freeman) Pittman on February 27, 1941, in Morrisville, Missouri. He was raised on the family farm and graduated from Marion C. Early High School in 1959. At the age of 18, Jim joined the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1963. His last duty assignment was with the 56th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona. Jim’s final reserve obligation was completed on September 8, 1965. He was very proud of his military service and was grateful to serve his nation in the United States Air Force.
After his honorable discharge in 1963, Jim returned to Detroit, Michigan where he was employed at Detroit Diesel. Jim remained with the company for 32 years before his retirement in 1996. After retiring, Jim moved back to Springfield, Missouri. His retirement was short lived after accepting a job at 166 Auto Auction on West Sunshine Street. After driving countless miles for the company, Jim retired in 2017. Jim will always be remembered for being a kind, loving, caring, and giving gentleman who always drove brand new cars. When called upon, Jim never hesitated to lend a helping hand. His favorite pastimes included watching football, watching NASCAR races, reading books, listening to Jazz, and talking about cars. He was also enjoyed dancing and playing cards. Nothing, however, brought him more joy than spending time with family, especially his children and grandchildren.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Clois and Elizabeth Pittman; sister, Betty Pittman; brother, Jack Pittman; brother, Derald Pittman; and brother, Joe Pittman. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Mills and husband, Scott; son, Jamie Frame; grandson, Nick Mills and wife, Jessica; grandson, Chris Mills; five great grandchildren, Hayden, Brennon, Noah, Faith, and Leila; sister, Dana Floyd; sister, Vivian Huscher; sister-in-law, Monique Pittman; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Jim loved God and his family more than anything. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.
James “Jim” Calvin Pittman will be laid to rest in his hometown of Morrisville, Missouri, at a later time.