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James Albert Dittrich
1954 - 2017
James Albert Dittrich
1954 - 2017
Obituary
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James Dittrich Obituary
James “Jim” Dittrich, age 63, died peacefully at home on October 26, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. He waged a valiant 16-month battle with cancer full of grace, determination, and a positive attitude that allowed him to live life to the fullest until the end. Jim is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cindy Dobmeyer-Dittrich; son, Luke of Fort Collins, CO; daughter, Erin (fiancé, Chase Burnham) of Birmingham, AL; brother, Dan Dittrich; sisters, Kathy Reuter, Mary Weaver, Susie Schaffner, Faye Piel, Jane Bollinger, Colleen Dittrich, Michelle Ryan, Jackie Blahnik, all of MN and WI; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Willard and Arlyn Dittrich and brother, David Dittrich. Jim’s passions in life were the Dittrich Family Farm in Alma, WI, and his children, whose accomplishments brought him great joy. Jim’s legacy will live on at The University of Tennessee, where he had a 29-year career and was instrumental in construction of the new Student Union, which he helped make a reality through his hard work and dedication as Student Union Director. Receiving of family and friends will take place from 3 to 5 pm on Tuesday, October 31, 2017, at All Saints Catholic Church, 620 N. Cedar Bluff Rd, Knoxville, 37923, followed by a Memorial Service to honor Jim’s life at 5 pm. Burial will be private at Berry Highland West. Special thanks to Dr. Aljadir, Dr. Kelley, Dr. Findeiss, and the chemotherapy nurses at the UT Cancer Institute for their outstanding care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Stephens Fund at UT Cancer Institute, c/o Teri Green, 1926 Alcoa Hwy, Suite 300, Knoxville TN 37920 or to John XXIII Catholic Center (UT Campus Ministries), 1710 Melrose Place, Knoxville TN 37916. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.BerryHighlandWest.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sandra Robinson
January 12, 2018
Dear Cindy,
I have just today seen that Jim passed away. I don't have the words to ease your loss.
You were so kind to fix and bring us a meal when my father passed away, even as busy as you always are. My heart is breaking for you.
You will be in my prayers and my thoughts.
karin courteau
November 4, 2017
Cindy, I am so so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. The Lord is good He made it so we will see our loved ones again, praise the Lord.
Karin Courteau
Marc Krumholz
November 4, 2017
I went to H.S. with Jim but we lost touch for probably 40 years. He turned out just like I thought he would, successful and living his dream. He was one of the Hwy 88 farm boys from Waumandee WI. Hard working and smart. He grew up in a family of 11, me 12. He was always smiling, National Honor Society, never objected to anything said, and was a tenacious tackler at inside linebacker, and a shifty halfback at 140 lbs. He truly was quite a guy and I'll miss him dearly.
November 3, 2017
I worked with Jim when we were both graduate students at Mankato State University and kept in touch at conferences. He was a great guy, funny and a great colleague and friend. We will miss him.
Denny Olsen
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Tom Broadhead
November 1, 2017
Jim was always the greatest to work with when we had admission programs at the old University Center. We always had time for a friendly chat, and I will miss that. Tom Broadhead
leon mattress
October 31, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
John Hoffman
October 31, 2017
Jim was definitely one of the good guys in this world. He always had a smile. You always felt better about your day after talking with him. He will be missed in many ways by many folks.
Teri Branam
October 31, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with the family
Teri Branam UTFCU
Chris Lowe
October 31, 2017
My thoughts are with the family, Cindy, Luke and Erin. I worked with Jim for 5 years. Since the time that he left us at UT, there has been a void. His leadership and guidance were exemplary. I have missed him as a work colleague. He was too young to leave us but I am happy to know that he is no longer suffering. Thank you, Jim for the opportunities, respect and belief you provided me with.
Scott Webb
October 31, 2017
While my knowing Jim was limited to my work with him on the new University Center since 2011, my dealings with Jim were a pleasure and a blessing. He was always a gentleman and a professional, always seemed to have a smile on his face, or a kind word. I am sorry for your loss.
Scott Webb
Donna Mount
October 31, 2017
Cindy, Luke, and Erin:
Our hearts here at UT are broken, and we grieve along with you. Lots of memories we will hold in our hearts. Our life is like a vapor, but its the lives we touch while here on earth that will be remembered, and Jim touch many lives while here on this side. Thankful his fight with that terrible disease is over, and hurting no more. Praying for peace and comfort for you and your children.
Sue Buckner
October 31, 2017
To My Special Friend, Cindy, and family:
I'm so very sorry about the passing of Jim. The journey was long, but the reward was great with Jim enjoying his trip to Heaven.
My prayer is that God will wrap his loving arms around all of you and give you the love and peace you deserve during this very difficult time.
I'll always be here for you if you need me. Your longtime friend.
Sue
October 31, 2017
Dear Cindy, Luke and Erin
also far away, my heart is with you.
I remember Jim, the quiet gentle, always friendly and helpful person. A very special man! I hoped that one day you Cindy and Jim could come visit me here back home.
I am sending you much love and strength, and I wish you lots of support for this day today (that is also Cindy's birthday), honoring birth and death all the same day.
loving hugs
Rägi
Al & Linda Havner
October 30, 2017
Although we only knew Jim for a short time, he made you feel like you were lifelong friends. Our prayers are with Cindy and the kids, and Jim, may you rest in peace old friend.
Jane S. Redmond
October 30, 2017
Cindy, Luke and Erin,
Please know that many prayers are being offered for God to comfort, strengthen, and grant you peace during this difficult time. Our hearts are saddened at losing a valued colleague and friend who was always ready and willing to help(with a smile I might add). I am not in town but please know that my heart, prayers, and thoughts are with you all. Earth has no sorry that Heaven can not heal.
October 30, 2017
Cindy, Luke, and Erin, Nick and I send our love, thoughts and prayers to you. We considered it a privilege to be friends back in Iowa and continue that friendship as you moved on to Knoxville. We will be there is spirit tomorrow. Know that I will send hugs your way tomorrow afternoon.
Sarah Spear
October 30, 2017
Cindy, Luke, & Erin
I am thinking and praying for all of you. Jim was a great uncle to me as he genuinely cared about what I had to say. I will forever treasure my conversations and time with him. I am so happy I got to see him in good spirits last May when he visited.
Love you all,
Sarah
Sarah Spear
October 30, 2017
Cindy, Luke, & Erin,
I am thinking and praying for you all. Jim will always be remembered as a great uncle to me. He genuinely cared when we had conversations. I will treasure the conversations and time we spent when he visited last May.
Love you all,
Sarah
Judy Flanagan
October 30, 2017
Hearts are broken all over this nation for those of us who had the privilege to work with Jim Dittrich staging events and social functions at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Jim was always right there to ensure what he promised and for the unexpected situations that arise for one's events. Jim was instrumental in making sure the brand new university center was built to be able to handle the events well. He is missed by us all. Our prayers go out to all family members. In 2015 year he made a special effort to attend a reception held at the Communications Bldg to see me after having been retired from UT in 2006. It was a very busy time during Homecoming activities, but we'd had a great working relationship and it was truly great to see him. I was surprised to hear Erin was working and Luke was grown, also. He was so proud of you both!
Kimberly Hinchey
October 30, 2017
Jim Dittrich was the heart and soul of the University Center (UC) at UT. In the 20 years I have been here, I never saw him without a smile. He was a great man with a heart as big as Neyland Stadium. I pray his family has sweet memories to help them through this tough time. You will be missed Sir!
Debbie Jones
October 30, 2017
Jim's UT Federal Credit Union family have the Dittrich family in their thoughts and prayers. I had the opportunity to work with Jim on several projects and so appreciate all he did for us. He was a great guy and will be missed but not forgotten as he has left his footprints in many places at UTK.
Frankie Gorman
October 30, 2017
Ji and I had many opportunities to work together and each one was great. He was always so helpful when I was scheduling Awards Day and Commissioning Programs. I will definitely miss him. My prayers are with you all during this time. God Bless You.
Mark Constantine
October 30, 2017
Cindy and Family,
My condolences go out to all of you. Jim and I spent eight years together in the trenches at UT when I was in Student Activities. He was a terrific colleague and friend. At times like this all we can do is remember the great times we had with Jim, and all of the joy he brought to us. I'm in MN and won't be able to be with you personally, but please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Again, he was a wonderful friend, and will be missed. Sincerely, Mark Constantine
Andy Spear
October 30, 2017
Cindy, Luke & Erin,
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I have so many fond memories growing up and spending time with you all when you traveled to Minnesota every summer. Jim always took the time to ask me about my life, interests and hobbies. I sincerely enjoyed talking and spending time with him. I will always remember the fun weekend we shared when I visited Erin in Nashville (and Jim and Cindy) and we attended the Grand Ole Opry, breakfast Loveless Cafe and other Nashville spots.
Love to you all,
Andy Spear
Jolene Miller
October 30, 2017
Cindy, Luke, Erin and family, I'm so sorry to hear about Jim. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kelly Owen
October 29, 2017
Cindy,Luke and Erin
So sorry for you loss. My thoughts and prayers for all of you during this difficult time.
God Bless
Debbie Hudgens
October 29, 2017
Cindy, Luke and Erin,
You have been in my thoughts and prayers since I heard of Jims passing. Much love for my sweet friend and kids. Gods peace, strength , and comfort for the days to come.
Love,
Debbie Hudgens
Cara
October 29, 2017
Cindy, Luke and Erin:
My heart goes out to you all. I will always remember Jim as having a great work ethic and a quick laugh.
Luke, Erin: Never forget how proud he was of you two. He will remain with you all as you continue to move through your lives.
dean kelley
October 29, 2017
So long, old friend.
Kim Pickel
October 29, 2017
Cindy,
Sending you thoughts of comfort with your loss of Jim.
Kim Pickel (UTCI)
Sherry Reuter
October 29, 2017
Jim came to California for a convention in Anaheim and I drove down to have dinner with him. He was so open and honest and I felt I could tell him anything....and I did. His response was, "Well, whatever you do, don't tell your grandmother". I will always think of that time with him and smile.
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