PITTMAN

JAMES E. PITTMAN

Quietly entered into eternal rest on Thursday, November 10, 2022, embraced by his daughter, Monica M.P. Matthews, who was by his side. He joins his wife and love of his life, Herta B. Pittman, along with his mother Ruby Jordan Pittman, sisters Wilhelmina and Josephine as well as his two brothers, Lee Oliver and Irvin. He was the loving father of two children, Lisa P. Love and Monica M.P. Matthews and son-in-law Rodney Matthews; five grandchildren, Kayla, Madison, Jesiah, Kennedy and Brandon; friend and caregiver, Lisa Hughes; and, a host of family members, Kappa brothers, church family, colleagues and friends.

James was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on July 18, 1933 and moved to Washington, DC with his family at an early age. He was an avid gardener, fervent Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins) and track and field fan, voracious reader, world traveler, master storyteller and history enthusiast. He attended Howard University, where he was initiated into XI Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in 1952. He served in the U.S. Army, during which time he met his late wife, Herta, in Heidelberg, Germany. He served in many capacities at Florida Avenue Baptist Church and was a founding member and Chairman Emeritus of the Dunbar High School Alumni Federation.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of James E. Pittman on Friday, December 2, at Florida Avenue Baptist Church (FABC), 623 Florida Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20001. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m., followed by the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Burial Ceremony starting at 10:15 a.m. and funeral services beginning at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, 4001 Suitland Road, Suitland, Maryland 20746. Repast location to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Kappa Scholarship Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 29331, Washington, DC, 20017-0331. Online donations may be made at ksef-inc.com. NOTE: Masks required.

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Published by The Washington Post from Nov. 27 to Dec. 1, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for James Pittman

16 Entries

Beverly A. Johnson MD.FAAD

November 22, 2023

The Pittman´s became by DC Family forever when James and Herta took me in when I moved to DC to attend HU COM. My father worked with James and that was all it took for him to let me join the Pittman Family ( and live in the basement until I could find housing!!!)

Monica Cowan

February 23, 2023

I worked with Mr. Pittman while at samhsa (federal government). He was always kind and encouraging. He will truly be missed.

Liz Van Deerlin & Peter Childs

December 9, 2022

Dear Monica, Lisa & your families ( & also Mr. Pittman's caregiver, Lisa)....Peter & I want to express our heartfelt condolences to all of you upon the death of your dear father & friend. We both knew him from the Rock Creek Park community garden...where we so often had many fun & enlightening conversations with him over the yrs. So many of my memories of enjoying his friendliness & warmth are from the 90's & early 2000's. As many other RCCG folks have written here, he really did love that garden of his and always seemed so relaxed there. Come to think of it, he never ever seemed to be in a hurry, whether coming or going. Peter called me last week telling me he had recently died & I replied that I could so easily see his sunny smile in my mind's eye - & also hear his very distinctive tone of voice...yes, even tho I think it's probably been well over 12 -15 yrs since I last saw him. I recall meeting one of his sisters a time or two at the garden, as well, & I know he frequently tended her garden plot there, too, for quite some time when she was unable to do so herself. He was also very generous with his extra garden produce & with any extra plantings he had. We remember Mr. Pittman as such a wonderfully kind, loving man. Please know how much light & laughter he sowed daily (for decades) to us, his fellow gardeners. We know you miss him dearly because we do, too. Eternal rest & joy grant unto him, Dear Lord, & let perpetual light shine upon him. I know he's in heaven w/Herta, his parents, siblings, & many, many friends now. May God, good friends, family, & neighbors comfort you at this sad time upon losing your father & friend. He was a gem!

Ron Poore

November 30, 2022

I looked forward to seeing Mr. Pittman as he shared office space at Rodney´s. We had many pleasant conversations and shared recollections. He had taken a family trip to Germany a number of years ago and had many photos to share.

Ron Poore

Sent Flowers

Desire' (Butler) Husbands

November 29, 2022

I only met you a short time ago but my memory of you will never be lost. R.I.P. my friend.

Beverly Johnson and Family

Sent Flowers

Blanche Smith '69

November 22, 2022

Thank you to the Pittman family for sharing your loved one with the DAF. Mr. Pittman was my mentor and friend. We enjoyed trading stories about his classmate and my cousin but of all the things Mr. Pittman taught me he could not get me use to gardening but I understood how much he enjoyed it a and how much he loved his family. Thank You so much

Linda Rule

November 21, 2022

Loss is painful when we realize how much has been taken from us. Letting go is necessary though we fight to keep our loving relationship. Keep the memories and know that James Pittman is going home to rest in peace.

Bernard S. Arons, M.D.

November 21, 2022

Jim was probably the classiest fellow I ever encountered at work, a dedicated public servant! I was also pleased to see him at times after retirement at his lovely, and productive garden plot. He touched many of us, improving the lives of those he touched.

Bernie

Jeremy @ Rock Creek Community Garden

November 20, 2022

I'll always remember Jim tending his plot in the Rock Creek Community Garden. It was always so neat, tidy and lush. He always renewed the soil in the winter. And was always happy to give new gardeners helpful advice. A privilege to have known him.

Jane

November 20, 2022

With deepest condolences. Jim was incredibly generous and kind to me and my daughters at the garden. It was an honor to know him.

Linette

November 20, 2022

Mr. Pittman always modeled the "community" part of community gardening. Many fond memories and gratitude for his generous advice.

Vincent and Edna Hill, Thomasville, Goergia

November 20, 2022

Lisa and Monica,
Sorry to hear of the passing of a long time colleague at NIMH and HSMHA. Your father was a great man.

Rima from the garden

November 20, 2022

Distinguished gentle man. Helpful and kind to his fellow gardeners. Jim shared his knowledge and enthusiasms, bringing us along to learn about things he was passionate about--his family, his garden, his old school and fraternity. It was a privilege to know him and spend time. A man to be much admired, a leader ahead of his time. He will be missed and not forgotten.

Anita L Albertson

November 20, 2022

I am saddened by his passing. He was a gentle soul! Generous with his gardening knowledge - light hearted, dedicated, wise and kind. I was privileged to garden with him at RCCG.

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