James Allen Pettigrew

James Allen Pettigrew was born on February 28th, 1938, in Lafayette, Georgia. He was the fourth child of seven children by his mother Janette and father William Malcolm Pettigrew, Jr.: Billie Jean, Janette (Bebe), William (Mickey), Ann, James, Sue and Linda. Payment for the midwife’s services for Jim’s delivery was a ham from the smokehouse.

Jim met his future wife Sonja A. McCroskey while attending Berry College in Georgia, and were married on December 28, 1963, after they both had graduated. He and his wife parented three wonderful children, Michael, Kimberly and William, and had three beautiful grandchildren, Kenneth, Douglas and Rachel.

He was an avid fisherman, gardener and photographer. In his younger years he also hunted, having learned at an early age that putting food on the table was very important. His largest catch was a 35 pound tuna which he brought home in the wee hours, enlisting his darling wife to help clean his prize.

Having a degree in Agriculture, Jim worked in the fertilizer industry for 20 plus years, working in Tennessee, North Carolina and California. After a stint in New Zealand for two years, he changed careers and became a Real Estate Agent and a licensed Broker. This newfound successful career allowed him to have independence, listing and selling properties from Chula Vista to the South, Alpine and Jamul on the East, and even down to the beach areas such as Mission Beach. He retired after many years as a Broker Associate with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CA. Properties, specializing in both residential and commercial properties.

Jim traveled to China, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, Canada, and countless states in the United States. He loved to try interesting fruit and vegetables, borrowing a few grapes from the farmers in Bakersfield and purchasing slices of fruit and jicama with chili peppers in Tijuana.

He was a lifelong gardener, chasing those homegrown tomatoes year after year. Jim was a Scout Master for many years, camping, canoeing down the Colorado River, and watching over and assisting the troop at every turn. Many boys had time to be outdoors in a structured environmental, carefully enjoying hiking, camping and homemade meals over the campfire.

Most of all Jim was a helpful, loving and kind person. Jim never complained, he always looked at the positive side. He was a listener, a big tease and a fun card player.

Jim passed away peacefully at the age of 81 from end stage renal cell kidney failure on Tuesday, April 30th, 2019, at home surrounded by his wife of 55 years that he adored and loving friends. His entire family loved him and cared for him until the end. Although he has departed from this world, his spirit and caring are still with us. He will not be forgotten.