The world is a smaller, sadder place with the loss of our dearly departed Andrew James Pitts on September 8, 2021. James enriched the lives of everyone he met as he proved to be a great friend, a knowledgeable and caring teacher, a devoted son, and a patient, generous, and loving father.
Born on March 6, 1950 to Andrew Pitts and Josephine Fasnacht Pitts in Oklahoma, he followed in his parents’ footsteps to pursue a career in education: He worked his way through and graduated from A&I Kingsville with a degree in Education and Certification to teach Social Studies with his speciality being History. His teaching career lasted 35 years with a distinguished record of his having taught at Cullen and Haas Junior High Schools and King High School in Corpus Christi. He loved teaching as he had a keen interest in and vast knowledge of history and politics. He always spoke glowingly about his students.
He married Patricia A. Laursen in 1993 and became stepfather to Shelley A. and Stephen R. Cox. The couple was blessed with the birth of their daughter, Charlotte Ann Pitts, the light of his life, in 1995. Being a father was James’ proudest role in life. He showed infinite patience with all three children and especially loved trips to the Aransas Pass Wildlife Refuge where he took time to teach them about the flora and fauna of the region. He also always enjoyed trips to Padre Island, with the beachfront being his favorite place to visit. Although his marriage ended in divorce, he remained a close friend to Patricia for the rest of his life.
James loved to travel. He loved visiting places he had never seen, so much so that one summer, when he was in his 30’s, he drove across country all the way to California, camping along the way so he could closely experience nature during the journey. He had a fervent appreciation of the natural world and for all cultures, and was always eager to share his experiences with everyone he met.
James loved to write, sing, and paint. He had a real talent for photography. His enthusiasm for the arts and humanities was infectious. He always had a contagious zeal for life. Despite his protracted illness, he remained involved with and devoted to his family and friends, and he always put them first.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew “Andy” and Josephine “Hosa” Pitts, and his sister, Joanna Pitts. He is survived by his daughter, Charlotte Ann Pitts; his stepchildren Stephen Cox and Shelley Harris; his former wife, Patricia Holder; his brother-in-law Scott Dahlin; his beloved Uncle Samuel Fasnacht; his cousin Jolene Bullington; and the throng of his former students, all of whom were his favorites throughout his lengthy and cherished career. James will be sorely missed.
