He was born August 16, 1920 in Fort Madison, IA, a son of Scott O. and Alice Frances King Witt. He married Margaret Ellen VonHollenbeck on December 14, 1940 in Memphis, MO. She preceded him in death in March of 1982 in Peoria. He later married Velma Thomas-McKinney on February 26, 1983 in Peoria. She survives.
Also surviving are three children, James “Jim” (Joyce) Witt of Bartonville, Shirley (Michael, deceased) Bridges of Lincoln, AR, and Mary A. (Don) Street of Bartonville; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren; two step-children, Kenny McKinney of Florida, Mary Jean McKinney of Peoria; ten step-grandchildren; 20 great step- grandchildren; 15 great-great step-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, two infant sisters, and one step-daughter.
Jim was a U.S. Navy Veteran of WWII.
He was employed by Keystone Steel and Wire for 36 years retiring in 1982.
He was a member of the American Legion Post #2, National Association of Civilian Conservation Corps Alumni in St. Louis, Destroyer Escort Sailors Association in Peoria, the American Association of Retired Persons, and Memorial Christian Church in Peoria.
He enjoyed gambling, and traveling. He collected clocks, owls, and elephants. Jim always looked forward to his morning coffee at the food court in Northwoods Mall in Peoria. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who was loved by all.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 20, 2011 at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria. Rev. Dr. L. Arvil Bass will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday and one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.
View Jim’s life story at www.Davison-Fulton.com.
Memorials may be made to Memorial Christian Church in Peoria.
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