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James DeWitt Obituary
SPRINGFIELD - James "Jim" R. DeWitt passed away Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008.
He was born May 10, 1952, in Atchison, Kan.
He is survived by his loving wife, Connie, his best friend and soul mate; a daughter, Lisa Keel (husband, Robert); granddaughter, Celeste; a grandson, Dartanian; and his two beloved pets, Desi and Bree.
He was a great lead guitarist and played in several bands. He was director of Senior Citizen Transport for 17 years. He owned and operated Popular Demand Karaoke at Fred's Gashouse Lounge for more than 10 years. He will be missed by everyone.
Private cremation will be Monday, Oct. 20, 2008.
A memorial benefit for Jim will be held Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008, at the Gashouse Lounge.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James DeWitt
Vincent Birkman
November 10, 2008
Lisa and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know the sense of pain and emptiness can seem endless. There is not much anyone can say or do that will take it away. Although, you will always miss him, in time the pain will subside and the emptiness will be filled with fond memories that will keep him near. My prayers are with you. May God bless and keep you.
Tony Sweet
November 1, 2008
I can not believe this, My heart is breaking. Goodbye Jim.
Donna, Don, and Juli Richards
October 31, 2008
Connie,
We love you so much, and Jim is going to be dearly missed. He was an amazing guy, and we will keep him in our prayers. I will always be here for you for anything you ever need!
Mary Shereda
October 28, 2008
Connie, I was so sorry to hear about Jim. My deepest sympathy for your loss. I know what you're going through but life does somehow go on. You must concentrate on the ones that are left behind. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Russ and Marcy Saputo
October 26, 2008
Connie, Lisa, just recently we had learned of Jim's passing, we were left dumbfounded, he brought much, laughter and smiles to our faces, offered us encouragement, and advice, He was the king of kareoke, and he had a voice that was AMAZeing! took the time to help us get connected to the internet world, hE KNEW bEST bUY , like he owned the place,. he was not only intelligent, but a very kind , loving, and generous person, he thought of others before himself, we will surely miss him deeply, Connie and his love was so amazeingly precious, it was an inspiration for others, he so deeply loved you both, he was definately so in love with his family, dogs, and his music. we love you , if you need anything, let us know... 217-529=4693
Jerry Bristow
October 25, 2008
You will be missed luv ya
Pat & Clete Zoll
October 25, 2008
We both enjoyed the time we spent together whith Jim, the master of Karoke. Pat has known Jim since he played with Jack Collins and the Rythym Boys. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. Connie, if for any reason, you need assistance with anything please let us know. We'll be more than happy to help out. May God bless you, keep you safe and make you strong.
Theresa Adkisson
October 25, 2008
Connie,
Some friends and I just started coming to the Gashouse for Karaoke a few months back on Saturday nights because we enjoyed it so much with Jim. It was amazing watching him help everyone out when they needed help with the words or the tune, and he made everyone feel like a superstar. I am only sorry now that I didn't sing my "debut" the last time I was there and he asked me if I was ready. If I could sing for him now, I would. We would always see you come and join him later in the night and could see how much love you had for each other. Even though I didn't know either of you that well, my heart is broken for you. I wish you the best, and you and your family are in my prayers.
Tiffany Whitehorn
October 25, 2008
Connie and family,
I am so sorry for your lost. Jim was a very nice guy. I met the both of you almost two years ago when I started coming into the Gashouse and you both are the nicest people i have ever met! We always looked forward coming to the Gashouse on Wed. and fridaysfor karaoke. But karaoke will never be the same with out him. You and your family are in my thoughts and my prayers.
Tiffany
moke&kathy heineman
October 24, 2008
connie&lisa
my wife and i are very ,very sorry for your loss.we didn't know jim very long,but in the short time we did, we became good friends.i will miss him very much.
Kathi Krell
October 23, 2008
Connie, Lisa and family: I’m so very very sorry for your great loss. I just found out, and I'm having trouble typing this for the tears. Jim and I will miss him very much. However, we know that he is in a better place and we will all get to see him again someday! We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Know that we love you and hope that your loving memories of a great husband, father, grandfather and friend will help to ease the pain. God be with you all. Love Kathi and Jim Krell
Bill Banks
October 23, 2008
My Dearest Connie:
I am sorry to hear of Jim's passing and regret that I have not kept in better touch with you. You are one of my dearest childhood friends and thoughts of you bring back many memories of the trials and tribulations we shared when we could measure our age using less than half a box of birthday candles. Jim must have been a special person and a lucky one to have shared his life with you. I know you will find the strength to go on; you always did, you always will. You are in my prayers and you are always in my thoughts.
Bill
Gene & Lauri Hampton
October 23, 2008
Dear Connie and family,
Gene and I were shocked to hear of Jim's passing. He was such a good friend to us. We worked with Jim at the Senior Center for over 12 years and he always took the time to talk to us no matter how busy he was and he always had a smile on his face. Gene and I will truly miss him. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Portia Sitz
October 23, 2008
Connie, Lisa & familly, Connie,where do we start for as we've talked we can't remember a time when we didn't know each other, we've been though a lot of hard times as well as a lot of good times togather but it's the hard times that makes us strong with Gods help your family& friends you can do this also.You know that I will be praying for you and I am just a phone call away. Love to all, Portia
Eric & Sandy Henrikson
October 23, 2008
Connie and Lisa~
Eric and I met you and Jim about 8 years ago at Jailhouse. I was a Kereoke "Virgin." Jim encouraged me to sing and since then I have loved it. Jim was simply the best around!We lost touch as years gone by and will be praying for you and your family. Jim will Be missed by everyone who knew him. Im sure he is Singing in Heaven now.
Heather Phillips
October 23, 2008
Connie & Lisa~
I don't even know where to start....
Jim is very special to so many people I know at a time like this words cannot comfort you, but know that the love that Jim had for you both is ever lasting!! My heart goes out to you both and I wish I were there to give you both a big hug and to tell you everything is going to be ok. I would like to hear from you both when things slow down. Here is my number 217-416-3400. I miss you guys and please know that you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers. The Gashouse will never be the same!! So this one goes out to Jim. THANK YOU JIM for bringing so much joy into our lives, although you are gone you will never be forgotten~All my love
Lori Phillips
October 22, 2008
Connie, Lisa & family,
Words cannot express the sadness I have in my heart for you. Jim was your soul mate, so remember he will always be with you. He will be your angel watching over you!! He was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed by many!! I pray for God to give you the strength to get through this time. I love you!!
Lisa (DeWitt) Keel
October 22, 2008
I'm having a hard time trying to put in words to express my sincere thanks, but here it goes---
All kids can say that their daddy is the best or greatest, but now I'm a grown woman with two children that can say that their grandpa was and now they are silent and as lost for words as I am.
Dad was very intelligent, knowing how to master the computer and helped anyone who was having trouble with theirs.
I admired him when he played in bands and would mouth those rocking chords as he played guitar and he played excellent. It was never loud enough.
Dad's karaoke was like nobody else's, my dad had an ear for sound and acoustics that could tear the roof off.
My dad loved my mom as if they were lovers who just met and I believe, he still watches over her.
I wanted to thank everyone who is letting us know how much dad meant to you and that you’re needed, there is never too many hugs…..
Kristen Bordignon (formerly Westbrook)
October 22, 2008
Connie,
There are no words to express the heartfelt pain I feel for you. I always admired the beautiful relationship you shared with Jim. You could tell your committment to each other was meant to be. I remember the many nights, no matter if it was rain, sleet , or snow, the two of you loading up the van with all the epuipment it took to put on a show, while Lori and I sat there glued to the poker machines:) You always had a smile.
I hope your wonderful , happy memories will bring you some comfort and peace in the difficult time ahead. As you can see by the guestbook , you and Jim have so many people that love you. Let us all join together at the Gashouse on Sunday, November 2nd to celebrate Jim's life. Love you Connie and again I am so sorry.
Kristen
Matt & Stephanie Goff
October 22, 2008
Connie & Lisa
I am a loss for words and can only imagine what your going through. I am so sorry. Jim was a wonderful & thoughtful man. He was there for matt & me more times than I can count! He brought matt home safely to me many times after karaoke and always looked over him (like the son he never had - he always said) when I couldnt be there. I will always be thankful to him for that & I know he will continue to do so. If you need anything at all please let us know! Our hearts our with all of you!
Lee and Kathy Hamilton
October 22, 2008
Connie and Lisa, I wish I had the words that could even help just a little to ease your pain but I know I don't, but like all of Jim's friends who have already posted Lee and I will miss him greatly. Jim was someone who made everyone feel welcomed and never treated anyone any better or worse than the next and that is a rare quality to find today. He always had a smile and a song for all of us and I have very much appreciated his as well as your and Lisa's friendship through the years. I love how great of friends and how close you and he and Lisa are, we all strive for that in our relationships. I hope that you are able to find a little of comfort when you think about that as well.
Dawn Spencer
October 22, 2008
Connie~
Jim will be sadly missed by me and everyone at the Gas House. It will never be the same without him. He was a wonderful inspiration to everyone. Keep your head high. Just know that Jim is watching over and taking care of you. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Connie DeWitt
October 21, 2008
To all our very dear friends,
I just wanted to let everyone know how much your messages have meant to my family and I. He was my whole life, and I don't know how I will ever go on. The songs in my heart no longer can sing........My life has been changed forever. So from the bottom of my heart I thank each and everyone of you and want you to know how great it has been to meeting each and everyone of you because if it weren't for Karaoke my life would have been empty.......Just please keep on singing and remember Jim would be so proud of each and everyone of you......God Bless ........
Kim Foster
October 21, 2008
Hello I am SO sorry for your loss. I have known you and Jim since I was like 18 trying to go to karaoke when I wasn't even 21 yet. I don't really know if I will be able to go back to the Gashouse anymore, it will never be the same again. I love you guys.
I found out about this because of a posting on myspace and I just saw Jim last weekend. It just goes to show you never know what tomorrow brings. You will be missed!
Sandy McConnell
October 21, 2008
Connie and Lisa:
You know how much Don and I have allways loved Jim and you. I will keep you in my heart always. I'll be here for you whenever you need me.
Love, Sandy and Blue
Liz & Aaron Tate
October 21, 2008
Connie, Aaron and I just heard the news. I'm so sorry that we are all the way down here in chattanooga,
Tennessee. We both wish we could come and shower you and your family with so many hugs and love. Jim was a wonderful man, and we BOTH will NEVER forget how lovingly you both just took us under your wing when we were new to the area. OR, when you drove to virginia. IL to give Aaron a singing CD for the competition. PLEASE call us as soon as you get a chance! We love you! 423-255-7491 or 423-255-8168. We love you sooo.. much!
Liz and Aaron TATE
donny and ronnie evans
October 20, 2008
connie ,lisa and family
our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this sad time jim will be greatly missed he was a wonderful person with a big heart he will be sadly missed
Melissa Burke
October 20, 2008
Connie & Lisa,
Words can not express our sorrow over the loss of Jim. He was a wonderful person, a great friend,and an awesome musician! I never met anybody that knew as much about music as Jim. No matter what genre, or era, he always seemed to know the song you wanted from just humming a few lines.
They say a song brings happiness to the heart,and Jim made sure we all got to SING .......
Wonderful memories of him will live on in our hearts forever.....
Melissa & Anthony
Melissa Henrikson
October 20, 2008
Connie and lisa I am so sorry for your loss Jim was a great guy. He will be truly missed. Our love and prayers are with you. Scotty and Melissa Henrikson
Jerry Ann Smith
October 20, 2008
I'm sorry for your loss.
Bill Evans
October 20, 2008
Jim was a good friend and fellow musician. We played together in several bands over the years. I saw Jim in Wal-Mart a couple of months ago and we spent time reminiscing. He will be missed greatly.
Stacy Meyer
October 20, 2008
I was stunned and so saddened by the news of Jim's death. He and Connie were so quick to welcome me into their karaoke family, and became real friends in a very short time. Connie, please know your friends at the Gashouse love you and will be there for you. God bless you and all of your family.
Dave & Sheila Gerber
October 20, 2008
Jim was a great person and a great friend. He alway knew what song to pick for everyone to sing at karaoke. Our prayers are with Connie and the rest of the family. Jim will be deeply missed and always in our hearts. Karaoke at the Gashouse Lounge will not be the same. We hope to see Jim's family and friends at the benefit at the Gashouse Lounge on Sunday, 11/2/08. Godspeed Jim.
Shirley Peterson
October 20, 2008
I work at Schnucks on Sangamon and I had the pleasure of meeting Jim there he always had a smile on his fast and I loved talking to him about his music.I will miss him as will all of the girls in the front office . This was a shock.We are sorry for you lost.Our prayers are with you all.
Glenda And Dionne Pittman
October 20, 2008
Connie, Lisa, and all others that were touched by the man who is now another angel to watch over the rest of us: anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Jim has a deep loss and sorrow. He was truly a wonderful person whom always made you feel "like a Star" even if you only flickered. Personally and professionally Jim will always be in our prayers and memories. you know if you need us, we will be right there
Joanne Gaston
October 20, 2008
I sang in a band with Jim. He was very talented, and always kindhearted. My deepest sympathy to all of you. You are in my prayers.
Cindy Shereda
October 20, 2008
Connie and Lisa my heart is breaking and I feel like there is no way is ease the pain. Please know how much Jim was loved and will be missed by so many people. I wish there would have been a chance to tell him one more time that I loved him. Connie you had the great joy of having him in your life all these years I am so so sorry for your loss.
Love with all my heart!
Cindy
Amanda Quinlan
October 20, 2008
Connie and Lisa:
We were so sad to hear about Jim. He was such a wonderful person and we always enjoyed seeing and visiting with you guys at the Gashouse. He will be greatly missed.
Kristofer Martin and Amanda Quinlan
angel aston-hatfield
October 20, 2008
Connie and Lisa,
I met Jim on a few occasions thru my mother(sis) at karaoke. He was a very kind man. My mother always talked about how wonderful a friend Jim was and he was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back. He will missed by many. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
Midnight shift Postal Gang
October 20, 2008
The Midnight shift Postal Gang sends our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Connie and the rest of Jims family. He will be deeply missed by us here at the Post Office as we always knew we could count on Jim to provide us with Karaoke at the Gashouse for our occasional Friday morning parties. He was an outstanding friend to us and always kept the party going and seemed to actually enjoy our company as much as we enjoyed his. It simply will not be the same or near as fun without Jim there.
Paul and Donna Moore
October 19, 2008
Connie and family,
We were absolutely shocked to read of Jim's passing. You have our deepest sympathy. We feel very fortunate to have known Jim and appreciated his music for many years. While on vacation in IL last summer, we attended a jam session in Riverton. While there, we had a great visit with Jim. His passing will certainly leave a deep void among the accomplished musicians in the central Illinois area.
Monica Owens
October 19, 2008
Connie, Lisa, Robert, Dartanian, and Celeste: your are all in my thoughts and prayers always and especially in these tough times. Know that Connor and I are here for all of you for anything at any hour. We Love you!!!
Ashley Pollock
October 19, 2008
Connie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful person and the best manager of Karaoke ever. I will miss singing at the gashouse with Jim DJaying. He was soo talented and had a great love for music. I, along with many other people will never forget him.
He will be missed,
Ashley
James (Tex) Morrow
October 19, 2008
As a fellow Karaoke jock, Jim was the best. He cared as much for the music as he cared for people. I will miss him very much, he was a rare person, a professional. My prayers go out to Connie and the rest of his family. I can only imagine their loss. I know one thing though, God now has another member in his heavenly band.
Lisa Merritt
October 19, 2008
I just met you and Jim this last year at the gas house and he is such a wonderful person. I really enjoyed his karoke. He will truly be missed. I'm very sorry for your loss. Your all in my prayers.
tammy coyle
October 19, 2008
Hi connie its me tammy (the bartender gashouse) i will miss jim so much i am so sorry what i really willl miss is when at the end of the nite he would say thank you tammy and i would say thank you jim this is so hard for me i love you tammy
Denise Sternberg
October 19, 2008
Connie and family,
I am so sorry for your great loss. Jim was such a wonderful person. We will all miss him very much.
Jessica Wright
October 19, 2008
Connie and Family~
I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was a very nice person. I met you guys about a year ago when I started going to the Gas House. Karaoke will never be the same there. Take care of yourself and know that he will watch over you.
Shine
October 19, 2008
I only recently met Jim, and the fact that he was an awesome person, loved by many, and never met a stranger was obvious after only a brief time in his presence. Karaoke at the Gashouse won't be the same. His family, friends and loved ones, you are in my thoughts.
Sharon McConnell
October 19, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you always. We love you all.
The McConnells
Joe Fortune
October 19, 2008
Connie, my condolences to you and your family. What a schock !! I always wish Jim and I had a chance to play more music together.
Ken Duffy
October 19, 2008
Jim played guitar in my band for many years. He was a very good freind and a great guitarist. I miss him.
My sincere condolences to his family.
Carroll & Rose Stark
October 19, 2008
Connie & Lisa:
Jim was turly a good person and he was loved by many. Our prayer's will be with you both though this time of saddenss. Remember that he will always be with each of you and he would not whant you to be sad. Just remmber all the wounderful time's you had with him. We will miss jim much we always had fun signing songs @ the Gas House when Saturday come around or when a holiday was here and we all sand and had a good time. Jim will be in our heart's for ever. May the Lord Confort you all though this time and always. ith our Love And Prayer's.
Bob Hudgins
October 19, 2008
Jim you were a great friend and person and are and will be greatly missed...
Tracy & Cynthia Cubbage
October 19, 2008
Connie,
We are sorry for your loss. Jim will be missed by so many. A great karaoke host that was admired and good to so many. In our Prayers.
John & Loraine DeGroot
October 19, 2008
Jim was a special person kind to everyone and a super friend to know. We will miss him.
George Wilham
October 19, 2008
Connie, Lisa
I was sick when I got the terrible news of jim,I know i don't have to tell you what a great and talented guy he was.He will be missed.
So sorry for your loss.
James Robertson
October 19, 2008
Jim was a good friend . I always enjoied going into the Gashouse for karoake. He will be missed
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