James "Jim" Charles Pitts

James was born September 20, 1936, in Ann Arbor to the late Leonel and Jeannette (Dorrance) Pitts. He spent many loving years living with “Aunt” Mary Nelson and later his stepmother, Ardath Pitts. He was married to the late Karen (Gerhardstein) Pitts for 37 years.

James attended Eastern Michigan University, where he served in ROTC and later in the U.S. Army for six years. He was stationed in El Paso, Texas, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Anchorage, Alaska before settling in Lansing, Michigan and later in Mason.

He was a master mechanic and spent the majority of his career working on and teaching about cars. He owned several auto body shops and gas stations throughout his career. He was a founding member of the Capital Area Career Center in Mason, now the Wilson Talent Center, and taught at Lansing Community College and Baker College for many years, where he was one of the first to teach about alternative fuels in cars. He volunteered at Impression5 Museum in Lansing after retirement.

Family members have special memories of visiting Jim at his summer trailer at Miller Lake Campground in Hopkins, Michigan, where he taught his grandchildren how to fish.

James is survived by his brother Emil (Pat) Nelson and his sister the late Alma Nelson. He is also survived by his children and stepchildren, Darby (Steve) Zick, Paige (Dan) Bilyeu, Stacey (Charles) Trapani, Leigh (Jeff) Damaske, Kile (Michelle) Pitts, Darrin Pitts, Michelle (Ty) Grams and Melissa (Wendell) Curry. He has 22 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his wonderful caregiver, Barbara Braun.

Funeral services will be Monday, April 1 at 1 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 621 S. Jefferson St., Mason. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow at North Aurelius Cemetery. A funeral luncheon will be held after the interment at Sycamore Village Clubhouse, 900 W. Columbia St., Mason, MI 48854.

Those wishing to donate in James’ honor may consider donating to Forster Woods Active Living For All, 4656 N Meridian Rd., Williamston, MI 48895.