James D. Pitton Dec. 28, 1934–Dec. 10, 2015
COURTESY PITTON FAMILY
Born in Portland, Jim Pitton was the only child of Dominic and Angela Pitton, who were farmers in St. Johns. In 1941, Pitton’s parents moved to Parkrose, where they farmed by the airport.
Pitton graduated from Parkrose High School in 1952 and the University of Portland in 1956, all the while helping on the family farm. After graduation, he farmed full time with his parents. In 1965, he married Rosann Garre. Their only child, Marie, was born in 1966. Pitton farmed in Parkrose until his retirement in 1989.
After retiring, Pitton enjoyed clamming at the coast and mushroom hunting in the woods. In addition, playing slot machines at various casinos gave Pitton hours of pleasure. He spent many hours volunteering at the St. Vincent de Paul church pantry at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. One of the tasks he enjoyed most was picking up food at the Oregon Food Bank.
Pitton is survived by wife Rosann; daughter Marie (Jim) Neilan; his aunt Bena and the Pitton, Ezetta and Borquist cousins, as well as extended family in France and Italy.
A Mass and Christian burial was held in December at St. Joseph the Worker; interment followed at Rose City Cemetery.
Donations to Pitton’s favorite charities—St. Joseph the Worker Building Fund or the American Diabetes Association—are welcome. Visit his memorial page at gatewaylittlechapel.com to share memories and leave condolences for family.
