James Walter Bitto

James Walter Bitto, known to his loved ones as Jim, went to be with the Lord on December 10, 2023, after a courageous and fierce battle with cancer. He was born on September 6, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, to Joseph and Jean Bitto.

Jim was a positive and encouraging individual who always had a smile on his face. He was hardworking and loved his family dearly. Jim never met a stranger and was very likeable by all who knew him.

Jim graduated from Loyola University in Illinois with a degree in economics. Later, he went on to obtain his MBA through the University of Phoenix.

For the majority of his career, Jim served as an executive in commercial refrigeration manufacturing. He was often called on to relocate as part of his career crisscrossing the country many times, moving over 16 times in his career. After he "retired", he obtained his real estate license in Wilmington, NC, where he also served on various boards and civic organizations. Upon relocating to Montgomery, AL he obtained his real estate license and also went to work at Capitol City Ace Hardware at age 76. He loved to share his extensive knowledge, and many knew him as the friendliest face at that store. He loved working there and continued to do so until his cancer treatments forced him to finally retire.

In his free time, Jim enjoyed his various home improvement projects, had a passion for golfing, the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Bears, and gardening.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Elaine; his daughters, Michele Vermillion (John) and Melissa Ulstad (Richard); sister, Maryann Bitto; grandchildren, Joshua Nobile, Brianna Nobile, Timothy Nobile, Laura Vermillion, Jack Ulstad, and Alex Ulstad; and great-grandchildren, Kai and Owen, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Bitto; mother, Jean Bitto; and brother, Jerry Bitto.

The family wants to thank Dr. Rahan Sarmad and his amazing staff at the Montgomery Cancer Center; his good friend, Gary Jones, as well as his hospice nurse, Sherilyn Daniel, and caregiver, Rent Jordan, for the blessings they all were to Jim and his family.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Mr. James Walter Bitto will be held on December 27, 2023 at 11:00 am at Taylor Road Baptist Church, 1685 Taylor Road, Montgomery AL 36117 in the Student Center.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AlabamaHeritageFH.com for the Bitto family.