James Russell Pitts

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of James Russell Pitts. Jim was loved by all. He was a wonderful husband, father, and mentor. Jim was born near Eastlake Atlanta. He first attended Murphy High and graduated from East Atlanta High School. At this time the Vietnam War was front and center in the daily news. Jim did not hesitate to join the U.S. Airforce. He admirably served his country for 4 years. His position as a military policeman in Vietnam led to his lifelong career as a Dekalb County policeman. He worked tirelessly to provide safety for the citizens of Dekalb. According to his fellow officers, he was a fair supervisor who always had their back.

Through his work as a policeman, Jim became deeply involved in the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 10. He not only held offices at the local lodge, but he also held offices at the state level. He was honored as the Officer of the Year and received many awards for superior performance. Jim considered his officers friends, not just colleagues. They not only worked together, but they also played together. Jim was proud of his job and sought to do his best. He told many stories about the days on the job; however, most of them are not repeatable. He would often start by saying "I really can't tell you what happened, but you won't believe what happened today." He would proceed to enlighten us whether it was funny or tragic. To know Jim was to love and respect him.

Jim was a member of Panthersville, Lodge 543. Jim reached the level of 23rd degree Master Mason. He was bestowed a 25-year award and was working toward his 50th. He believed in what the organization stood for.

Jim is survived by his wife, Kathryn Cooley Pitts, his children, siblings, and grandchildren. His children are daughter: Dori Pitts Greene (Nate), sons: Joseph Nathaniel Pitts and Courtney Zachery Spratlin and daughter in law: Elizabeth Ortiz. His grandchildren (whom he dearly loved), Christian James Spratlin, Elijah Jeremiah Spratlin, Maureen Ortiz, Joyce Isabella Spratlin, Wesley Miles Greene and Margaret Grace Greene, as well as brother, Miles Alan Pitts (Judi) and sister, Rhonda Lynn Fancher. He is preceded in death by his parents: Miles Russell Pitts and Nellie Geraldine Pitts, and children: James Edward Pitts and Kathryn Spratlin Sharp.

Family and friends will gather for visitation Monday March 31, 2025 from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory, 2773 N Decatur Rd. Decatur, GA 30033. Private Inurnment will take place at a later date.

To leave electronic condolences please visit: https://www.asturner.com/obituaries/james-pitts