WITMER, James "Jim"

61, died peacefully at home

surrounded by his family on Monday, Oct. 26, following a brief illness. Jim was born July 6, 1959, in Orrville, OH, to

Daniel and Maxine (Landis) Witmer.

Throughout his thirty-five year career as a newspaper photo journalist and videographer (The Miami News in Florida, the Troy Daily News and the Dayton Daily News), thousands of Jim's images were published in the U.S. and worldwide,

including in Time and Life magazines, Sports Illustrated, Newsweek, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, United Press International, and the Associated Press worldwide. Jim was named the Ohio Photographer of the Year (ONPA) five times, and the Regional Photographer of the Year (NPPA Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan and Indiana) three times.

Jim's fine art photography paralleled his journalism work, and he was experimenting with technique all his life. He leaves

behind a vast collection of photos that illustrate the glory days of darkroom photography and its transition into digital forms. His last works are striking, focused studies of nature made on a flatbed scanner next to his computer, with no

traditional camera in sight.

Holding a B.F.A. from Ohio University, Jim supported the local arts and artists as a member of the Dayton Visual Arts Center and through his service on selection committees for shows at the Hayner Cultural Center in Troy, OH, and more.

In addition to his work as a photojournalist and fine art photographer, Jim - a passionate homebrewer since the 80s - enjoyed sharing his love of craft beer. From 2016, he worked for Cavalier Distributing, where he was the top-selling sales representative in the Dayton area and a mentor to the rest of his team. A version of his award-winning Mint Cookie Stout beer is now served as a seasonal favorite at Fifth Street Brewpub in Dayton, where it can be enjoyed over the holidays for years to come.

Beyond his many accomplishments as an artist and craftsman, Jim's greatest legacy is his love for his family. He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife of eight years, Ronni Searight-Witmer; a generous and proud father to his three children: Carly Witmer (38); Lindsey (Patrick) Witmer Collins (34); and Adam (24); and the best Poppi to his grandchildren Rita (9), Hugh (2) and Eamon (2) - all surviving.

Jim is also survived by his father Daniel Witmer of Orrville, OH, and his siblings: Janice (Ron) Geiser; Daryl Witmer; Donna (Paul) Souder; Robert (Waunita) Witmer; Ron (Michelle) Witmer; Kathy (Conrad) Detweiler; Carol (Paul) Swartz; Jerry (Tiffany) Witmer; and Brian (Sarah) Witmer; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and more friends than can be reasonably counted. He is preceded in death by his mother, Maxine.

A retrospective show of Jim's work and a celebration of his life is being planned for next year. Donations can be made in Jim's name to the Stivers School for the Arts' seedlings

Foundation in Dayton or the Lincoln Community Center in Troy.

HHRoberts.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Dayton Daily News on Nov. 1, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for James WITMER

Sponsored by H. H. Roberts Mortuary, Inc..

17 Entries

Paul & Karen Conover (friends from Dave/Carlene/Smooz

October 24, 2022

We will his presents at events always taking the shots. Can't wait to his work displayed. We hope Ronni, you are doing are doing well and as well as his family. Paul & Karen Conover

Richard Sitler

November 25, 2020

I am stunned. Jim Witmer was a mentor. Starting my career in Piqua, Ohio I looked to Jim's example in Troy as how to run a newspaper photo department. Jim was gracious and willing to share his experience and expertise. A great talent and a wonderful man, he will be missed.

Roxanne Vandivier

November 5, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Amy Hruschak

November 3, 2020

Jim was a pleasure to work with and talk with at the Dayton Daily News. He made the world a better place. My condolences to Ronni and the entire family.

Linda Lee Jolly

November 1, 2020

My sympathies to the family. I knew Jim for most of my career at the Hayner Center. We got to know each other as we worked on several exhibition projects. I appreciated how professionally he worked and the passion he had for sharing his art. The photographs he took for the front pages of the TDN were amazing! I share your loss.

Dale Higgins

October 31, 2020

I was shocked and saddened to learn about Jim’s death. Jim was my roommate at Ohio University. Through the years we stayed in touch, Jim and I would not talk for a year at a time. As soon as we got on the phone or met up somewhere if felt like we had just talked last week. We were both photographers in different parts of the business. I could always call him for advice or he would call me about solving problems in our photography. People would sometimes hear us talk about photo business and thought we were from another planet. That’s what happens when you’re in a creative business for a long time.
Just to mention he was one of the best home brewers I know, his beers were as good or even better than most commercial brands. I have fond memories of the times we had together during college and after wards. He made life better.

Shari Leidig Holland

October 31, 2020

I am so very sorry to hear of Jim’s death. We went to high school together and have fond memories of him. Sending thoughts to his family.

Karen Conover

October 30, 2020

No words can describe how sorry we are for your loss. Please accept our Deepest Sympathy. We will miss Jim so much, always loved talking with Ronni and Jim at the Christmas party. Paul & Karen Conover

Bob Underwood

October 30, 2020

Jim was always fun to talk to at work (at the Dayton Daily News). He had a laid-back way about him that could help you keep perspective in the sometimes crazy newsroom. And he's the only person I know who likes the music of Pat Metheny as much as I do. We enjoyed seeing Pat in concert a few times. My condolences to Ronni and family.

Jim Rutledge

October 29, 2020

I was fortunate to receive a positive response from Jim when I hired him in Dayton, having admired his work in Troy. But an even better result is getting to know what a great person he was ; he made my life better in many ways and will be terribly missed. Sincere condolences to his family.

Jaime Biondo

October 29, 2020

I knew Jim from our days at OU. Just the nicest guy ever, a friend to everyone who knew him. When Jim was around, he made whatever we were doing better and more fun. Full of charisma, and an everlasting smile.

My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Gone too soon, Jim will be greatly missed.

Andrea Seiser

October 29, 2020

Condolences to Ronni and the entire family.

Missy Duer

October 28, 2020

Joe and I had the blessed opportunity to know Jim and to experience his incredible talent of photography personally with his amazing photos of our Distillery. Our brief friendship with Jim is cherished- his warmth and generous spirit will not be forgotten. Our heartfelt sympathy to his family...

Philip Royer

October 28, 2020

My condolences to Jim's family, his many friends and his co-workers. May the love you shared and the memories made comfort you today and in the days ahead. I knew Jim from his days working for the Troy Daily News as a photojournalist, he always had a smile and a kind word for me when we would see each other. I will miss those moments going forward.

Vince McKelvey

October 28, 2020

Jim was an extraordinary photographer and better person; just great to be around. I'm saddened by his death and wish the best for his family.

Karla Hollencamp

October 28, 2020

I am shocked and saddened to learn of Jim’s death. I had the pleasure of working with him on editorial projects many times. His talent is rare and unique. A great artist and an even better person.

Diane Miley

October 28, 2020

What a wonderful tribute to Jim.

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