James William Witten Sr.

James Witten Obituary

James William Witten Sr., 82, our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend entered into the glory of his eternal life on Friday, July 1, 2011, at Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville after being attacked by a swarm of killer bees.

Mr. Witten was born in Putnam, Okla., on June 18, 1929. He came to the Valley as a young boy and grew up in Pharr, Texas. As a young man in his early 20s he came to Brownsville to work and it was here that he met the love of his life, Helen Marie, and so Brownsville became his residence for the next 60-plus years. He owned and operated Jim's Trading at the Port of Brownsville.

Jim loved boats, the water, planes and flying. He took flying lessons but due to poor eyesight was unable to obtain his pilot's license. He had recently been taught how to play Solitaire on the computer and was known to spend hours playing, sometimes into the wee hours of the night. He also could keep track of how many wins and losses he had.

Jim was a kind-hearted person who was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. He loved people and was generous to a fault. He will be profoundly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Clifford Witten, and a sister, Alberta Johns.

Left behind to eternally treasure their memories of him is his devoted wife of 60 years, Helen Marie Witten; his children, Susan (Brooks) Rule, James William (Loretta) Witten Jr., and Randall James (Amber) Witten; four grandchildren, James William (Lisa) Witten III, Jamie (Shane) Emerson, Miranda Rule and Bailee Witten; three great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Preston and Caleb, plus two great-grandchildren that are on the way; three sisters, Lillian (Leon) Strealy, Tracy (Ray) Hiekes and Esta (Rodney) Pickwell; and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

In accordance with Jim's wishes, he was cremated and his ashes will be scattered over the Gulf waters that he loved so dearly.

You may view the obituary, sign the guestbook and send condolences online to the Witten family at www.darlingmouser.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Darling-Mouser Funeral Home, 945 Palm Blvd., Brownsville, TX. Phone (956)546-7111.

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

Published by Brownsville Herald on Jul. 3, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for James Witten

12 Entries

July 28, 2011

Uncle Jimmy was always doing things for other people and never complained about helping. He was a truly nice person and we will all really miss his smile he had for all of us when we were around him.We will miss him greatly. Uncle Jimmy is in a great place and god has opened the pearly gates for him.

Kenny Franklin, New Braunfels,Texas

Rebekah Schear

July 28, 2011

Uncle Jimmy and I had a very special relationship, as I am sure he had with many, many others. We could go for long periods of time without talking, but when we would finally connect, it seemed like we had talked only yesterday. He was always so sweet to me and made me feel so special. He had that ability. I mourn his loss as do the rest of his friends and family that love him. Thank you Uncle Jimmy for just being "you". Your Neice.

Tracy Heikes

July 11, 2011

He was the sweetest brother any girl could have. I loved him very much. He was two years younger than me, and he always looked out for me and protected me. He called me 10 days before he died, and talked for over an hour. He told me he loved me, and I told him I loved him very much. He was so humble . . . not boastful or proud. I talked to him many times about the Lord. My heart is broken in two. He is in a better place, and I know I will see him again someday.

July 8, 2011

I was so sadden to hear about Jimmy Wittens' unfortunate acident with the bees. He was fixture at the Port of Brownsville for many years. He was liked and admired by all.My deepest condolences to his family.
Ralph Cowen
BND Commissioner Place 1

Tracy White

July 6, 2011

I will miss Uncle Jimmy a lot. I loved his sparkling eyes and his kind ways. We enjoyed communicating by E-mail often. We have a whole in our hearts, but we will see him one day again in heaven.

Bonniebelle (Scott) Spencer

July 6, 2011

Aunt Helen and Family - We will miss Uncle Jimmy. We love you and are thinking of you.

Valine

July 5, 2011

Mr. Witten was so kind and sweet everytime he came to see us at CVS. He will be sorely missed.

Laura Maricle

July 3, 2011

To the Witten Family,
My sincere condolences to you for the loss of your precious husband, father, brother, and grandpa. I remember Mr. Witten well as he was close friends with Dean and Mildred White. May God Bless you and grant you peace. He is singing with the angels wrapped in God's loving arms.
Laura White Maricle

Debra Jacobs

July 3, 2011

Jimmy & Loretta: My condolences to you and your family for the loss of James,Sr. I remember him many years ago when we were living in Brownsville; he was a very nice, cordial man. We are never ready to lose a parent, a loved one...May God Bless and comfort you during this difficult time. Love, Debra Jacobs (Baytown,TX.)

Loretta Witten

July 3, 2011

I admired you for the following reasons: You were always so giving. You always had a tender heart. You were a wonderful grandfather and a loving great grandfather who always had a smile and a hug for the kids. You were a wonderful father. One reason I can say that is because we shared one of your most precious possessions, your eldest son for 37 years. You were a big man in my eyes. Grandpa I will miss you dearly. Love forever-Loretta

Oscar Villarreal

July 3, 2011

My family and I express our most deepest and sincerest condolences to the Witten Family. Jim was my best friend and shall always remain so. Villarreal Family

Chris Chambers

July 3, 2011

We are so sorry for your loss, but trust God for your peace.

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