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James Atkins Wittenberg Sr.

1922 - 2016

FUNERAL HOME

Canale Funeral Directors - Memphis

2700 Union Avenue Extended

Memphis, Tennessee

James Wittenberg Obituary

James Atkins Wittenberg, Sr.

Memphis, TN

James Atkins Wittenberg, Sr., 93, went home to be with the Lord on December 4, 2016 at home. Jimmy was born December 6, 1922 in St. Louis, MO and was the son of Lou and Carrie Belle Wittenberg. Jimmy had one brother and two sisters. Jimmy was a wonderful, loving husband to his wife at 68 years, Betty, and a proud Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather. His faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was firm to the end and he now resides in his Heavenly home.

Jimmy moved to Memphis an early age when his father was transferred to The Federal Reserve Bank. He attended Central High School in Memphis. Jimmy loved the game of golf from an early age and began playing on the old Overton Park Golf Course. It was not long before he gained quite a reputation as an outstanding golfer and he was awarded a golf scholarship to Louisiana State University, who at the time, was one of the top college golf programs in the country. He excelled immediately, and was a member of two National Championship teams while at LSU. The first coming in 1942. Jimmy was then drafted into the U.S. Navy where he served four years. When the war ended the coach at LSU called and told him to get back down there, that they had work to do. He did and was a member of the 1947 National Championship team as well. At the time, there were no Championship rings awarded, so several years ago, LSU invited Jimmy and the other members of those Championship teams back down to Baton Rouge where they were honored and given dual Championship rings which he wore proudly.

Jimmy played in several U.S. Amateur competitions. He was the Tennessee State Amateur Champion in 1947 and was the Memphis City Champion four times in 1948, 1961, 1964 and 1970. He is a member of the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame. Jimmy had wonderful friends in the golfing world and was well known among his peers, many who went on to outstanding professional careers. Jimmy was supportive of the Memphis Open (now the FedEx St. Jude Classic) and at one time he and betty hosted a party for the players at their lovely home. He also served as a Director of the Tennessee Golf Association.

Jimmy is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty, and four children: Jimmy, Jr. (DeeDee), Susan Walker (Lee), Dick and Lou (Charee). He is also survived by his sister, Mary Lou Adams. He had six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lou and Carrie Belle Wittenberg, his brother Louis Wittenberg, Jr. and his sister, Jean Ellis.

The family wishes to thank the many, many visitors who have loved, served meals, visited and prayed for them during this difficult time.

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 7 at 1 p.m. followed by a service at 2:30 p.m. at First Evangelical Church. Private burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to The Church Health Center, 1210 Peabody Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104.


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

Published by The Commercial Appeal from Dec. 6 to Dec. 7, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for James Wittenberg

Sponsored by Canale Funeral Directors - Memphis.

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Terry Dunger

November 30, 2019

Mr. Jimmy was one of the finest gentleman anyone could spend four houses with on a golf course.

Brenda Faulk

December 8, 2016

Susan, I am so sorry about your Dad. I pray for you and your family to sense the Lord's overshadowing Presence. May the sweet memories you shared come to your mind as you go through this season of grief.

Lex Tarumianz

December 7, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I enjoyed very much my time on the TGA Board with Big Jim.

The Spathiphyllum Plant by FTD  BASKET INCLUDED

RENEE GORDON

Sent Flowers

FTD Living Spirit Dishgarden

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Terry and Pam Dunger

December 6, 2016

Ms. Betty and Family,

A TRUE SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN has gone Home and he will be greatly missed by all of us.

Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you and we will never forget His Gentle Influence on us all.

Terry and Pam Dunger

Richard "Ram" Garrison

December 6, 2016

My wife Jane and I send our condolences to the Wittenberg family, especially Susan and Lee.
I am a better person for having the privilege to have played golf with Jimmy.

December 6, 2016

Dear Wittenberg Family - my prayers are with you during this time. "Mr. Wittenberg" was one of those guys I will never forget - he was one who was always an inspiration to those around him. May God bless and comfort your family during this time. Phil Powers

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Memorial Events
for James Wittenberg

Dec

7

Visitation

1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

First Evangelical Church

TN

Dec

7

Service

2:30 p.m.

First Evangelical Church

TN

Funeral services provided by:

Canale Funeral Directors - Memphis

2700 Union Avenue Extended, Memphis, TN 38112

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