Obituary of James Stitt

James “Jim” Ansley Stitt was born March 1, 1922 in Sherman, Texas. He passed away peacefully at his home in Pearland, Texas on April 26, 2010. He is in heaven now, reunited with the love of his life and wife of 57 years, Joan Ann. Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife and best friend, Joan; daughter, Sharon Marie; his parents, James Leander and Marie Ansley Stitt; and sister, Virgina Williams. He is survived by his daughters (and their spouses), Cindy (Jerry) McAllister, Cecile (George Patrick) Stiles and Bettye (T.J.) Chambers; grandchildren, Amber (Brad) Barnette, Emily (Andy) Otto, Kevin and Morgan McAllister, Shiloh (Sherwin) Sterling, Miriah (Lewis) Davis, and Sonny Chambers; great grandchildren, Hailey Barnette, Pierce and Tye Sterling, and Trenton Davis; his sister, Betty (Randy) Kimbler; and cousin, Linda Demanche. Jim was a proud veteran of the US Navy, who served eight years in the Pacific theater during World War II. He was highly regarded in the aviation industry and retired from ExxonMobil after 36 years of service as a pilot, flight engineer and superintendent of aviation. He was a longstanding member of the Quiet Birdmen, a fraternal organization of air force pilots and former officers, as well as the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association. He was so grateful to have had a career doing what he enjoyed most… flying. Jim was blessed to have many lifelong friends with whom he remained in close contact through the years and whose lives he felt privileged to share. Jim’s family would like to express a special thanks and love to Mary Henley, Jim’s caregiver and friend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the charity of your choice. Jim, Joan and Sharon will be interred at the Houston National Cemetery on Friday, May 7, 2010 at 10:30 am. A beachside memorial service will be held in Galveston, Texas sometime during May or early June.