Tarlton "Jim" Pitman, a cherished husband, father, Papo, and pillar of the Wentzville community, passed away peacefully on September 9, at the age of 92. Born on May 26, 1932, in Saint Louis, Missouri, Jim was a man whose life was defined by service, leadership, and the joy he found in the great outdoors.
Jim's journey began in Saint Louis, where he was born to the late Tarlton E. Pitman and Annetta Pitman (nee: Nienhueser) that instilled in him the values of hard work and community service. He carried these values throughout his life, touching many hearts along the way. After graduating from the Military Academy, Jim continued his education at Westminster College, followed by Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. His pursuit of knowledge did not stop there, as he further honed his skills at Mortuary College and National Funeral Director College.
Inheriting a legacy of dedication to service from his father, Tarlton E. Pitman, Jim took over the family tradition that began in 1922. He continued to build upon this legacy with a deep commitment to his community, which was evident through his extensive involvement in various organizations. Pitman Funeral Home is one of the oldest, running family owned businesses in St. Charles County with multiple locations. It has now been passed on to 3rd generation Eric Pitman. As a past President of the Wentzville Rotary Club, served on the Missouri Funeral Directors Association and the Missouri Funeral Trust board, Jim's leadership and passion were unmistakable. Jim was a long time member of the Wentzville Community Historical Society. His influence extended to his role as a Past Director at Commerce Bank, and his service on the St. Joseph Hospital Board reflected his enduring commitment to the welfare of those around him.
Jim was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wentzville, and was also a past member of the Wentzville Athletic Association and a Charter member of the St. Charles County Ambulance District. The Pitman's have served the area with the ambulance service since the first motor driven vehicle was designed for the funeral profession. They were in the ambulance business until the 1970's. His civic contributions didn't end there; he was instrumental in founding the Wentzville Library Board and the Wentzville Boy Scout Club, leaving a lasting impact on the educational and character-building opportunities available to the youth in his community.
His love for the outdoors was as vast as the terrains he explored. An avid hunter, Jim embarked on numerous hunting trips across the globe. From the challenging pursuit of grizzly bears in Alaska to dove hunting in South America, his adventures took him to Nicaragua, Mexico, Canada, and Colombia. His passion for hunting was only matched by his love for coaching, as he dedicated his time to guiding young athletes in the Wentzville Khoury League.
Jim's legacy is carried on by his loving family, who were the center of his world. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Harriet Pitman (nee: Heimlich), his son Eric (Becky) Pitman, his daughter Angela (Joe) Kortkamp (nee: Pitman), and his adored grandchildren Kelsey, Katanna, Kevin, Kendall, Max, Olivia, and A.J. Each of them will remember Jim for his unwavering support, his infectious enthusiasm for life, and the wisdom he imparted.
As we bid farewell to Tarlton "Jim" Pitman, we celebrate a life lived to the fullest, marked by an enduring commitment to service and a profound love for his family and community. His was a life that exemplified leadership, kindness, and a zest for adventure that will continue to inspire all who knew him. Jim's memory will be treasured forever in the hearts of his family, friends, and the many lives he touched.
A visitation will be held Friday, September 13, from 2:30 P.M. to 8 P.M. at Pitman Funeral Home in Wentzville. A funeral will be held Saturday, September 14, at 10 A.M. at Immanuel Lutheran Church - Wentzville. Interment will follow at Linn Cemetery in Wentzville. In honor of Jim, donations may be made to: Immanuel Lutheran Church or Donor's Choice.
