James O'Dell Pittman

James O'Dell Pittman, 86, of Carlisle, Arkansas,died on October 24, 2010. Jim was born in Leachville, Arkansas on October 7, 1924 to parents James Alford and Zula May (Davidson) Pittman. He grew up in southeast Missouri on a farm. In August of 1942, he entered the United States Navy during World War II and served in the South Pacific. In 1950, he transferred to the Air Force and was immediately sent to Korea with the 27th Fighter Escort Wing. During that time, his outfit lost 16 pilots in F-84 fighter bombers. The Wing was rotated back to the U.S. and was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its outstanding achievements. He received a choice assignment in 1955 to Athens, Greece and was allowed to take his family for a three year tour. After retiring with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant at Little Rock Air Force Base in December 1964, the family settled in North Little Rock where Jim was employed by the Little Rock branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, from which he retired in 1985. While residing in North Little Rock, he was an active member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church and served as Sunday School Superintendent, as a member of the Vestry, and as Usher. In 1982, prior to retirement, heand his wife moved to Carlisle, Arkansas where he planned to enjoy being near family an d hunting, fishing, and playing golf. Jim was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Carlisle, a Master Mason, a Past Master and Perpetual member of Carlisle Masonic Lodge No. 587. He was also a dual member of E.H. English Masonic Lodge No. 237. He was an active member of the Carlisle Lions Club (Lion of the year 1996 & 2004) and the American Legion Post 133 of Carlisle. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Cloyes Marie Pittman; son, David Gary Pittman; his parents, James Alford and Zula May Pittman, and three brothers, Billy Eugene, Larry Wayne, and Loyd Lee Pittman. Jim is survived by three daughters, Lonnie (Jerry) Howard of Elysian Fields, Texas, Lynn (Danny) Tompkins of Carlisle, Arkansas and Lezli Johnson of Carlisle; three brothers and two sisters, William (Lillian) Pittman of Paragould, Arkansas, Alvin (Jenny) Pittman of Monette, Arkansas, Bobby (Ruth) Pittman of Halls, Tennessee, Shirley McMurray of Burleson, Texas and Joyce Owens of Leachville, Arkansas; one sister-in-law, Carol Pittman of North Little Rock; seven grandchildren, Kami (Scott) Adkins, Keri (Lonny) Winters, and Kristi (Doug) Lang all of Texas; Garrett (Tressa) Tompkins, Paul (Nicaele) Johnson, Samantha Tompkins, Lisa (Darin) Bell all of Central Arkansas. Jim had 19 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church in Carlisle with Rev. Ryan Rush officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at the Hebron Cemetery. Pallbearers will be the grandchildren, Kami, Keri, Kristi, Garrett, Paul, Samantha, and Lisa. Honorary pallbearers are spouses, Scott, Lonny, Doug, Tressa, Nicaele, and Darin. Memorials may be sent to the First United Methodist Church Life Center Fund or to the Alzheimer's Arkansas Programs and Services, 10411 West Markham, Suite 130, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205-14089. Arrangements are by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen. Online obituary at www.westbrookfuneralhomehazen.com.