James E. Pittman quietly entered into eternal rest on Thursday, November 10, 2022, embraced by his daughter, Monica M.P. Mathews, who was by his side. He joins his wife and love of his life, Herta B. Pittman, along with his mother Ruby Jordan Pittman, sisters Wilhelmina and Josephine as well as his two brothers, Lee Oliver and Irving. He was the loving father of two children, Lisa P. Love and Monica M.P. Matthews (Rodney); five grandchildren – Kayla, Madison, Jesiah, Kennedy and Brandon; friend and caregiver, Lisa Hughes. Also surviving are a host of other family members, Kappa brothers, church family, colleagues and friends.
James was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on July 18, 1933 and moved to Washington, D.C. with his family at an early age. He was an avid gardener, fervent Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins) and track and field fan, voracious reader, world traveler, master storyteller and history enthusiast. He attended Howard University, where he was initiated into XI Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in 1952. He served in the U.S. Army, during which time he met his late wife, Herta, in Heidelberg, Germany. He served in many capacities at Florida Avenue Baptist Church and was a founding member and Chairman Emeritus of the Dunbar High School Alumni Federation.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Kappa Scholarship Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 29331, Washington, D.C., 20017-0331. Online donations may be made at ksef-inc.com.
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