Tarlton "Jim" Pitman, a cherished husband, father, Papo and pillar of the Wentzville community, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2024, at the age of 92. Born on May 26, 1932, in St. Louis, Jim was a man whose life was defined by service, leadership and the joy he found in the great outdoors.
Jim's journey began in St. Louis, where he was born to the late Tarlton E. Pitman and Annetta Pitman (nee: Nienhueser) that instilled in him the values of hard work and community service. He carried these values throughout his life, touching many hearts along the way. After graduating from the Military Academy, Jim continued his education at Westminster College, followed by Washington University in St. Louis. His pursuit of knowledge did not stop there as he further honed his skills at Mortuary College and National Funeral Director College.
Inheriting a legacy of dedication to service from his father, Jim took over the family tradition that began in 1922. He continued to build upon this legacy with a deep commitment to his community, which was evident through his extensive involvement in various organizations. Pitman Funeral Home is one of the oldest, running family owned businesses in St. Charles County with multiple locations. It has now been passed on to third-generation Eric Pitman. As a past president of the Wentzville Rotary Club and a member of the Missouri Funeral Directors Association and the Missouri Funeral Trust board, Jim's leadership and passion were unmistakable. Jim was a long-time member of the Wentzville Community Historical Society. His influence extended to his role as a past director at Commerce Bank and his service on the St. Joseph Hospital Board reflected his enduring commitment to the welfare of those around him.
Jim was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wentzville and was also a past member of the Wentzville Athletic Association and a charter member of the St. Charles County Ambulance District. The Pitmans have served the area with the ambulance service since the first motor driven vehicle was designed for the funeral profession. They were in the ambulance business until the 1970s. His civic contributions didn't end there; he was instrumental in founding the Wentzville Library Board and the Wentzville Boy Scout Club, leaving a lasting impact on the educational and character-building opportunities available to the youth in his community.
His love for the outdoors was as vast as the terrains he explored. An avid hunter, Jim embarked on numerous hunting trips across the globe. From the challenging pursuit of grizzly bears in Alaska to dove hunting in South America, his adventures took him to Nicaragua, Mexico, Canada and Colombia. His passion for hunting was only matched by his love for coaching as he dedicated his time to guiding young athletes in the Wentzville Khoury League.
Jim's legacy is carried on by his loving family, who were the center of his world. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Harriet Pitman (nee: Heimlich); his son, Eric (Becky) Pitman; his daughter, Angela (Joe) Kortkamp (nee: Pitman); and his adored grandchildren Kelsey, Katanna, Kevin, Kendall, Max, Olivia and A.J. Each of them will remember Jim for his unwavering support, his infectious enthusiasm for life and the wisdom he imparted.
As we bid farewell to Tarlton "Jim" Pitman, we celebrate a life lived to the fullest, marked by an enduring commitment to service and a profound love for his family and community. His was a life that exemplified leadership, kindness and a zest for adventure that will continue to inspire all who knew him. Jim's memory will be treasured forever in the hearts of his family, friends and the many lives he touched.
Visitation is scheduled from 2:30 p.m.-8 p.m. on Sept. 13 at Pitman Funeral Home in Wentzville. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Sept. 14 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wentzville.
In honor of Jim, donations may be made to: Immanuel Lutheran Church or Donor's Choice.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tarlton "Jim" Pitman, please visit the floral store on the Pitman Funeral Home webpage.
