Staff Sgt. James L. Pettaway

Staff Sgt. James L. Pettaway

James L. Pettaway Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 28, 2005.
James L. Pettaway Jr. made sure he taught his son how to play basketball, coaching him to dribble with either hand so defenders couldn't strip him. "Once, I almost beat him," said son Brandon, 11. "But I never did." Pettaway, 37, of Baltimore, died Oct. 3 from wounds he suffered when his truck was hit by a roadside bomb in Fallujah. He was based in Norristown, Md. Pettaway, a correction officer who helped run a prison "boot camp" at the Herman Toulson Correctional Camp, cared about the work, said his supervisor, Maj. Carroll Parrish. "He was concerned about inmates' lives, and he often did extra things _ like going to their graduation, or volunteering for extra duty _ to demonstrate it." That concern stemmed from the positive effect he believed military life had on his character, Parrish said. Pettaway joined the Army three years after graduating from high school in 1985. Though Brandon's parents were divorced, his father always counseled his son to avoid peer pressures and listen to his own conscience. "He taught me to be a man," Brandon said, "and to take care of my mom."

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Sign James L. Pettaway's Guest Book

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January 19, 2013

Someone posted to the memorial.

November 12, 2012

Someone posted to the memorial.

October 3, 2011

Peggy Childers posted to the memorial.

January 19, 2013

I love you still now and forever

November 12, 2012

In memory of James Pettaway on Veteran's Day.

Peggy Childers

October 3, 2011

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. James L. Pettaway:
Please accept my remembrance of James on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Christian Haerter

February 1, 2011

Honor and respect for Staff Sgt. James Pettaway for his dedication to his country and his ultimate sacrifice for it. I met your son Brandon yesterday SSgt Pettaway and you can rest assured that he has turned into a fine, repectful young man that I am quite sure you would be very proud of. May you forever rest in your hard won peace and know that you are not forgotten.

Father of fallen Marine LCpl Jordan C. Haerter.

Elijah Collins

October 22, 2010

Rest in peace Sgt. Pettaway

October 18, 2010

Big bruh I miss you and think about you every day. You could have been anything and you chose to be a public servant which says a lot about your character. The last thing you told me was that im coming to live with you and stay out of trouble. Time didnt allow the first but im working on the other one. I have you and ma with me now. I love the both of you.

Peggy Childers

October 4, 2010

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. James L. Pettaway:
Remembering James on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

DENISE PETTAWAY

May 16, 2010

STAFF SGT JAMES PETTAWAY WAS MY LOVING UNCLE . I MISS YOU SOOOO MUCH.THERE HAS NOT BEEN A DAY THAT HAS PASSED BY THAT I HAVENT THOUGHT ABOUT YOU. ILL SEE YOU AGAIN. I LOVE YOU

Branzel Bonner

September 28, 2009

James was my big brother and the first person that I can remember idiolizing.I pray your with Ma and watching over me and the rest of the family. I love you Big Bro.

Peggy Childers

October 29, 2008

To the family of Staff Sgt. James L. Pettaway:
James gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

In Memory of James ~ (Debra Estep)

October 10, 2008

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know James, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

Audrey Mundell

February 4, 2008

Maureen & Brandon, I just read the bio on James, seems like he was a GREAT Dad. I like the pic, too.
Brandon, you are built like him it looks like. You all are still on my mind, ALWAYS Keep in touch. Your new friends,the Mundells

Michael Johnson

November 3, 2007

My heart goes out to Staff Sgt. James L. Pettaway. I don't know him but he will be miss.

Gabrielle Mitchell

August 31, 2007

Wow, it's been 3 years now, not a day goes by when I do not think about the friendship that I shared with James. I still say a prayer for him. You really did give the ultimate sacrifice over there and I am sure that everyone that you touched with your life knows and appreciates it. Brandon (Hi Brandon) should always be proud to call you "Dad". I smoked a Black & Mild in your honor on your birthday-the Big "40". Miss ya James Pettaway, you will never be forgotten.

August 10, 2007

There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend (KIA on 07/06/07) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

Elijah Collins

May 25, 2007

I met Pettaway in Ft. Knox Ky as a young soldier. He was a very laid back individual. I can remember his smile like it was yesterday. Recently, myself and another veteran of Ft. Knox discovered the news about Pettaway. It hit me hard. Remembering Pettaway is not hard to do at all, because he kept a smile on his face and that's something no one could ever forget. We had alot of good times together back then. I will never forget him and will forever keep his family in my prayers. May god bless you and keep you.

February 2, 2007

Thank You.

SGT Tyra Craddock-Wessels

October 12, 2006

Although I only knew them a short in time in Fort Drum, Kuwait and Iraq The two of them had a lasting impression on me. I will NEVER forget them. I pray for there families daily.

Molly Perez

October 5, 2006

This is the wife of Luis Perez he was the man that was in the accident with Pettaway and i just wanted to send my condolences to his family. Luis said so many good things about him and i know its hard and i just want you to know i am thinking about you

Tramar Pettaway

October 3, 2006

hello cousin james,
today is your 2nd anniversary of you dying from the war in iraq. i miss you so much. i am currently penpals with your old friend lonnie jordan. he is very knowledgable and helped me do a project about you fighting in the war.. i miss you so much not a day goes by that i don't think about you...

~tramar

Garnet Jenkins

August 27, 2006

Remembering Staff Sgt. James L. Pettaway, with a Multitude of Thanks for his Many Years of Service and Dedication to our Country and for our Freedom.

Rest well in God's Loving Care, James and know that you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

May God's Grace and comfort, continue to be with the Pettaway

family.

From the sister of a Fallen young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam. KIA~1967.



"The soldier, above all others, is required to perform the highest act of religious teaching--SACRIFICE."

~General Douglas MacArthur~



May the memories of your loved one live in your heart always.

DENISE PETTAWAY

August 9, 2006

I MISS YOU SO MUCH YOU ALWAYS KNEW HOW TO MAKE ME SMILE AND TO KEEP ME HAPPY. I LOVE YOU SOOOO MUCH YOU ALWAYS KNEW THE RIGHT THING TO SAY AND AT THE RIGHT TIME. SINCERELY YOUR LOVING NEICE, NECE

Linda Flannery

June 10, 2006

I didn not know Staff Sgt Pettaway, but my heartfelt sympathies go out to his family. I am so sorry for your loss, but James legacy will live on in his son.

Take comfort in your loving memories of James.

May he rest in peace.

Pat Canfall

April 9, 2006

My condolences to the Pettaway family. James may you rest in peace. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. You have earned your golden halo and wings. May you continue to soar in the heavenly clouds up above.

Brandon Pettaway

March 29, 2006

Hi, Hey dad just trying to talk to you. I want you to know that I love you pops. Right know I am playing baseball and really good Ok dad I have to go. I love you



Love Brandon Pettaway

Tramar Pettaway

March 27, 2006

James,

I miss you so much Cuzin James. You fought for our country. It was 2004 when you had died. I can't belive your gone. But I know you are guiding me in spirit. I accomplished many things so far. I made the honor roll. I did the polar bear plunge in honor of you... Hope to see you soon.

SFC Lonnie Jordan

March 25, 2006

James and I went through 21C MOS course together. James P was a great soul and full of knowledge. We were in Iraq at the same time. His main focus was his son. In August of 2003 his unit redeployed back stateside while my unit stayed in Iraq. He last statement to me will for ever stay in my mind." Life is too great to worry about the little things. GOD will lead us through everything. Just remember to bring your "A" to the basketball court." He later returned to Iraq with a different unit. To his family you are in my prayers.

Lester Pettaway

March 3, 2006

i will alway miss u i loved u so much.You where like another father to me.

Ariane Swann

February 15, 2006

I had the pleasure of working with Sgt. Pettaway in the Maryland Division Of Corrections at Toulson Bootcamp. I send my prayers to his family and loved ones. He was a wonderful person and always professional.

James Armstrong

January 26, 2006

I had the pleasure of knowing James. I went to Engineer School in 2002 with him in ND before the War and saw him quite frequently in Iraq and Kuwait. He was a great guy and everytime I saw him he was smiling. He was also a great leader. When I heard he had past away, I was very shocked. I will miss him. One of the fondest memories I have of James, is during the height of the war, my friend and I Arnray went up the long column of vehicles to visit James. He saw up approaching and gave us a great big smile and a hug. He then gave us a great big can of chocolate pudding. It was the highlight of my day and since this was hard to come by we ate and shared with others. SSG Pettaway, James you will me missed. Jim Armstrong, SSG USAR

Boot Camp Jessup, MD

December 7, 2005

I/We worked with Sgt. James Pettaway. He was a pleasant, fun, and outgoing person. He loved to serve his country and also, working with his co-workers. Sgt. Pettaway will always be missed by Toulson Boot Camp Staff.

RICHARD JOYNER

November 21, 2005

My heart goes out to the family and friends of SSG Pattaway. I also have not met SSG Pettaway, but I am a fellow serviceman who have been deployed twice in my career and I know of the dangers involved, it is always hard to see a fallen soldier.

I will pray for his family and friends.



Respectfully,

SFC Richard E. Joyner

18th Field Hospital

FT Story VA

AFRICA WESLEY

November 4, 2005

I'VE NEVER MEANT MR. PETTAWAY BUT I WOULD LIKE TO THANK HIM FOR PROTECTING US. HE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN IN MY MIND AT ALL AND MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY. GOD BLESS

D. Westbrook

July 23, 2005

Although I didn't know Mr. Pettaway personally, I know the pain of losing a loved one in death. Please allow the comforts of God at 1 Cor. 15:26. With sincerity...

natalie cargill

June 16, 2005

I had the pleasure of meeting SSG Pettway almost 10 years ago back at Fort Knox. James always kept a postive attitude no matter what. James you will greatly be missed.

Diana Polston

June 14, 2005

I never had the priveledge to meet Sgt. Pettaway, but I do believe he was an exceptional man. I thank him for all that he has done to keep our country safe. May God bless this family and always remember as long as he's in your heart than he will live forever. REMEMBER HIS BEAUTIFUL SMILE



GOD BLESS!!!



Sincerely,

Diana Polston

C

April 24, 2005

Although I didn't know Sgt. Pettaway personally, he sounds like a good man. I have a son and cannot imagine if his father was taken away from him. I thank Sgt. Pettaway for being courageous enough to fight for his Country. My family sends prayers and condolences to the Pettaway Family.

Robin

March 24, 2005

I'm just reading this. I'm sure I saw the notice on our local news station, but wanted to take the opportunity now to express my condolences to the family. Mr. Pettaway had to be a wonderful man to put his life on the line for so many others. I pray that his family, especially his son, pulls through this tragedy. May God bless you and keep you covered in this time of need.

brenda greenwood

March 2, 2005

SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT OUR LOSS. MY HUSBAND MATTHEW GREENWOOD WAS DEPLOYED WITH HIM IN THE 223RD IN IRAQ. I KNOW HE IS VERY MISSED BY THE 223RD. SO MAY GOD BE WILL YOU ALL DURNING THIS HARD TIME.

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January 19, 2013

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November 12, 2012

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October 3, 2011

Peggy Childers posted to the memorial.