James Atkins Wittenberg Sr.

1922 - 2016

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.