Dr. James W. Witt

1929-2014

Dr. James W. Witt, Professor Emeritus, 84, of Pensacola passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2014.

Art Doerr was Vice President of the University of West Florida when Jim Witt joined the faculty in the fall of 1977. Thus began a friendship that spanned almost four decades. Dr. Doerr wrote prolifically on many subjects, and this personal essay is an example. With startling clarity, it captures the essence of Jim Witt.

"Jim walks in integrity as rock-ribbed as the mountains of his West Virginia home; he stands as sturdy as its forest-clad slopes; his decency is as clear as its rushing streams. Honor stemmed from the font of decent, caring parents. His gruff exterior was honed by the maleness of the Marine Corps and law enforcement agencies he served. But a core of love and compassion showed through in his more than liberal duty to an aged mother, and I have known his friendship. He knows politics as few do and has the knack of understanding the realities of pragmatism within the context of principle, decency, and honor. His lively intelligence and sense of standards ensures that fakes, charlatans, and political correctness are given short shrift. He has been an academic pioneer bringing real world politics and policy students to aspiring neophytes. Love of kin is reflected in fierce protectiveness. Loyalty to friends is repeatedly manifested by myriad acts of kindness.

My wishes for him are clean mountain air, limitless vistas, sparkling streams, and longed-for solitude. My salute is to a man who understands the meaning of Semper Fidelis, and Duty, Honor, Country. His valedictory stands for all to see. 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant.'"

Jim USMC Ser. #648046 is survived by his loving wife Penny and daughters Courtney, Jamie, and Tierney.

A Memorial Service was held 11:30am on Friday, March 28, 2014 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 3131 Hyde Park Rd. with Fr. Kevin McQuone celebrant.

Rather than sending flowers, please consider contributing to the Pensacola Catholic High School Memorial Fund, 3043 W. Scott St., Pensacola, FL 32505.

Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits

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

Published by the Iowa City Press-Citizen from Mar. 27 to Mar. 29, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for James Witt

27 Entries

Connie Crosby

March 23, 2020

I have often thought of Jim and Penney. Jim was one of a kind and I respected him deeply and Penney added balance to their marriage. I was very fond of them and their daughters and considered them good friends.

Allen Borrelli

May 1, 2014

I was once a student of Dr. Witts at UWF back in 1998-2001. I always fondly remembered him and his ornery ways. I'll never forget him for both the energy he put into our lectures (even at 8am!!) and how he was incredibly funny, even if he wasn't trying!
He had a great deal to do with how my love for Political Science developed.
I'm very saddened by his passing and send my condolences to his loved ones.

Lucia Howe

April 26, 2014

Dearest Family of Dr. Witt--Please excuse me for taking this long to write. I, too, wish to offer my deepest condolences to your family on the death of your beloved husband and father. What stood out to me in the obituary was that you quoted the kindest "boss" I ever had--VP for Academic Affairs, the late Dr. Arthur Doerr. Obviously, he and Dr. Witt were great friends and colleagues. Dr. Witt was also a friend to Dr. Doerr's Admistrative Assistant, Mrs. Evelyn Grosse (my Supervisor) and he visited our office all the time. He was a joy to have around with his amazing personality. Even though it is a time of sorrow for you, I love reading all of the kind and insightful remembrances from his friends, former students and colleagues. Thank you again for quoting my beloved Dr. Doerr's essay in the obituary and blessings to you always.

Dean DeBolt

April 2, 2014

I enjoyed working with Jim Witt over the past 30 years at UWF. He was influential in helping us acquire some major research collections such as the papers of Congressman Bob Sikes, also the papers of Art Doerr, Provost Emeritus of UWF. Our archival collections on the people of West Florida abound with other examples of people and politicians whose history, legacy, and papers we've been able to preserve because Jim sent them this way. His Dirksen-Taft Institute was a crown jewel for UWF and just one of his creative endeavors that helped UWF, its students, and our reputation in the state. My condolences to his wife and family; I'm glad I got to know this man!

Paul Buse

April 2, 2014

It was in the early '80's that I came to know Dr. Witt. Like Dr. Witt, I had also worked in law enforcement but was moving on to the business world after obtaining a graduate degree at UWF. Sharing a bit of common background, we bonded.

As I look back from a subsequent career in the business world, I find that most American business people do not grasp the nexus between those worlds; the world of the courts and of the street, and the world of business. Where business people see balance sheets and income statements, the people Witt got to know do not exist, because they are first and foremost not customers. Those who run companies see only the effect, which is no money to buy their products. They do not see the causes; a poor educational system, lack of good jobs, and a decent chance in life. And they do not care because in many cases they have their own schools, housing, transportation, and security systems. In essence, they live a separate existence.

But Dr. Witt did. Dr. Witt sent people into the world to make a difference. To be sure, he was not a '60's bleeding heart liberal; anything but that. The message was personal responsibility but with a hand up in the form of things like good schools, a sense of community and a vibrant economy, not a hand out. Those days are over. You are now on your own, alone in a global crowd and unprepared for tomorrow.

Moreover, if the economic ladder still exists, then some of the rungs are surely missing. Unable to make the climb up that ladder, already fragile relationships crumble under the pressure to succeed. Although not himself a business person, Dr. Witt saw what frequently happens next because he understood the world of the courts, and of the street. Dr. Witt will be sorely missed.

Mike McGovern

March 31, 2014

The McGovern's of Seattle learned of Jim's passing over the weekend after speaking with my mother Joan. We share in the Witt families' grief and send our condolences. We are praying for the repose of Jim's soul and that his family members' grieving can be lessened by the teachings of our Lord Jesus' plans for Jim and for us in eternity.
My parents were good friends with Jim and I appreciated getting to know him and his wife Penny and family during my visits to Pensacola over these last 30 years. The Witt's were always gracious and I know that my parents greatly appreciated their many invitations and company. He and my Dad Jim taught together at UWF for many years and shared a great camaraderie and fellowship. Blessings to the Witt family and I'm sure that Jim has already had a great reunion with his buddy, my father, in heaven. I will now add him to my daily prayers and humbly ask for his intercessory support as well.
Mike McGovern

Aunt Mary

March 28, 2014

My deepest sympathy to Penny and family.

Walt Owens

March 28, 2014

I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of my long time friend, Jim Witt. I had known Jim more than 40 years, beginning in the 1960s when I recruited him from California to teach American Constitutional Law at Clemson University.
Jim's background made him uniquely well qualified to teach that subject. It was his primary area in his graduate school studies leading to his PhD. But beyond that, Jim's service as in law enforcement, especially his work on a vice squad, gave him a perspective that few law professors have had, for it allowed him to see society through the eyes of a police officer.
Additionally, Jim had served a number of years in the United States Marine Corps. Few constitutional law professors I have known have served in uniform. It was an experience that multiplied Jim's dedication to “duty, honor, and country.”
To his students, Jim was a first rate professor. His various experiences in life gave him a plethora of relevant stories, most of which he told with a magnificent streak of Irish humor, one that had his students and colleagues laughing in the aisles.
When it came to world affairs, Jim was knowledgeable and dead serious. Jim and I shared a deep concern for our country and what was needed for America to remain strong. We also shared our experiences as political operatives. Jim was unusually adept at combining his knowledge of classroom theory and his practical work in political campaigning: the engineering of political consent.
Jim Witt was bigger than life. On the outside he was tough, a football player, a Marine, a hard-hitting debater. On the inside was a man who loved his family with all his heart, a man who it was my great privilege to call “friend.”
Farewell, my friend, until we meet again.
Walt Owens, PhD
Professor Emeritus
Clemson University

Mark Whitman

March 28, 2014

To Penny and Family
We are truly sadden to learn of Jim's passing. It was indeed our privilege to have known him. He was a great friend to Dad, I think they were from the same mold. I am certain that they are sitting in heaven having a great time.
God bless
Mark,Vanessa,and Noni Whitman

HGWS

March 27, 2014

HGW's are thinking of you, Jamie and family. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. You know where to find us if you need anything.

March 27, 2014

Dr. Witt was one of the most remarkable and dynamic educators I have ever known. Dr. Witt made a profound and positive impact on so many of us who were his students. I took four courses with Dr. Witt at UWF and shall always be in his debt for the wisdom, sense of fairness and deep commitment to learning as an end in its self that he imparted on me. May God bless Dr. Witt and his family.

Elizabeth Peaden

March 27, 2014

Dear Penny, Courtney, Jamie,
Tierney,and Chris,
Just looking at your husband and daddy's picture breaks my heart. What a sweet photo of him.

I met your father at UWF sometime between 1992 and 1996. He was one of my professors. At that time, I did not know Penny. A few years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting her and think of her as one of my dearest and closet friends. I cherish her friendship more than words can describe. How life does go in circles; and one never knows how lives connect and why. All that I know, is that I am blessed to have known Jim and Penny, and now I have met their 3 beautiful daughters and one of their son-in-laws, all of whom are sweet, caring, loving and gracious people. There is no doubt, as to why Jim and Penny are so proud of them.

Dr. Witt was a real "hoot" in class; and, on his TV show. He was intelligent, brought a lot of ideas to the table; and as they say, "he knew his stuff".

He served God, his country, and his family well. I am very proud that my life met up with his, and I feel the better for having known him.

His footprints will forever remain in the sands of Pensacola; and, his footprints will forever remain in our hearts.

May he rest in peace, with God's loving arms and love around him always.

Love always, your friend,
Elizabeth F. Peaden

Marijane McKinney

March 27, 2014

My most heartfelt condolences go to Dr. Witt's family during this most difficult time. Love, Marijane Farrugia McKinney

Betsy Kilpatrick

March 27, 2014

My deepest sympathy to the Witt family. May God bless you all in your time of sorrow! Love, Betsy Mathews Kilpatrick

Robert Campbell

March 27, 2014

My grandfather led a great life, and I'm blessed to have known him. My only regret is that his great grandchildren will not know him like I did. They will know of him though, and he will live on in our memories and hearts.

Melissa Koch

March 27, 2014

Courtney, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. There is no love like our daddy's love. I'm sure he's watching over each of you.

Connie Crosby

March 27, 2014

I am devastated to learn of Jim's passing. All my love and most heartfelt sympathy to Penny and the girls. Life will never be the same without Jim. He was so generous and wonderful, full of life and always interesting.

Cynthia Magnus Hobbs

March 27, 2014

I am so sad to here about Mr Witt. I know our family (Magnus') have fond and funny memories of him. Penny and family, I pray for you comfort at this time and know you are loved by many.

Jennifer Bobo

March 27, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Witt's family and friends. I enjoyed having him as one of my professors in the Political Science department at UWF and was saddened to hear of his passing.

My sympathies,

Daniel E. Miller

March 27, 2014

I have fond memories of Jim. For several years, he had an office on the opposite side of the hall from me at the University of West Florida. We enjoyed trading humorous political jabs because, like our offices, we often were on opposite sides politically. Shortly after we became acquainted in 1990, I learned of Jim's life-long dedication to equality. During one long conversation, he explained how injustice he saw during his years in law enforcement led him to dedicate the rest of his career to helping ensure fairness in America. Those many years ago, I came to admire Jim, and I still regard him as a remarkable human being and educator.

RK & Pat Ready

March 27, 2014

Our love and deepest sympathy to Penny and other family members.

March 27, 2014

March 27, 2014 Dear Penny and the family:Jim Witt was a friend. I shined in my profession under his leadership. He set high standards and suffered no fools. He is missed. My sympathies with you and the daughters.M. Lal Goel - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/pensacolanewsjournal/james-witt-condolences/170375475?cid=full#sthash.HH859jAr.dpuf

Sandy J. Pilot

March 27, 2014

I had many memories with Jim and his family in the Irish Politician's Club an McGuires. I know he LOVED his family and very proud of his girls. It has been some time but never remembered! With Prayers Sandy

March 27, 2014

My prayers are with all who miss this much loved man and gratitude for his generosity.

Marguerite LeBlanc

March 27, 2014

It was my honor and my pleasure to have met your Dad, Courtney; however brief. Your Daddy now rest in peace, free from pain and will forever watch over and protect you and your family. May God Bless you all during this difficult time and may you find comfort in the wonderful memories you have. I love you CC, always!
Marguerite LeBlanc

Sandy Warren

March 27, 2014

Dear Penny, Tiereny, Courtney and Jamie,
I was so sad when I received Kay's email. Jim/your dad will be greatly missed by so many people. Wish we could be there with you on Friday. Please know that you all are in Gene and my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Sandy and Gene

Marilyn Capdeville

March 27, 2014

My deepest sympathy to all families of James Witt. May your grieving be short and may wonderful, loving memories last forever....in His Love and Light!!

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