James A. Pittman, 95, of Roanoke Rapids, NC went to his Heavenly reward on April 7, 2020, surrounded by loved ones at his home.
James was born February 11, 1925, to John C. Pittman and Alice S. Pittman Fleming in Whitakers, NC.
When he was a child his family moved to Halifax, North Carolina.
He served his country honorably in the US Coast Guard during WWII.
He attended Mars Hill College, Wake Forest University, East Carolina University and Southeastern Seminary, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree of Divinity.
James served many churches both part time and full time as an ordained minister.
He farmed, taught school, managed and owned Coastal Supply Company, developed real estate, and built and operated motels and rentals cottages on North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
James highly valued Christian education which was the focus of his philanthropy for many years.
James is survived by his wife of 44 years, Ganell H. Pittman; sons, Dennis R. Pittman and wife, Rosemary and James L. Pittman and wife, Deborah; daughter, Dee P. Tucker; step-son, Ralph Johnson and wife Bobbi; and sister, Virginia P. Shell. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
James was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Trilla Morgan Pittman; daughter, Deb P. Weeks; brothers, Ashley C. Pittman and wife Helen; John C. Pittman, Jr, and wife, Dot; Stancil B. (Buck) Pittman and wife, Wilma; A. Eugene (Gene) Pittman; and sisters, Estelle Dickens and husband, Dick; and Judy P. Nooney.
Due to the COVID-19 concern, only the immediate family will attend private graveside rites that will be conducted by Dr. M. Christopher White at 10:30 am Friday.
The service will be live streamed on the Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service Facebook page, located at https://www.facebook.com/carlislencompany/
You are encouraged to visit hockadayfs.com to sign an online guestbook register.
Plans for a public memorial service for Mr. Pittman will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements are under the care of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.