BUTLER: “In silence, the heart is heard,” and James William Bittinger was one who could communicate his infatuation with life’s treasures without speaking a word. A quietly profound man, James leaves behind him a legacy of love and service. James passed away peacefully on June 9, 2024 after living with Alzheimer’s for several years.
Born on May 21, 1938 in Ashland to parents Charles and Evelyn “Mary” (Hazen) Bittinger, he grew up surrounded by five loving siblings. On May 26, 1959, he married his wife Dorothy Alice Bemiller with whom he shared decades of life and five children of their own. His work ethic carried him through nearly forty years at Mansfield Plumbing. After retiring, he found he was unable to remain idle; shortly after leaving Mansfield Plumbing, he became the grounds keeper at Prairie Peddler, where he worked for more than a decade.
James’s unique hobbies required exceptional skill and patience, and he excelled at each of them. He was a dedicated bowler, even travelling to Canada and commissioning specially-crafted bowling balls. A talented golfer, James made three hole-in-ones throughout his life, including one at Pleasant Hill’s notorious hole number six. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, spending time on the water catching walleye and catfish and often taking his pontoon boat out on Knox Lake and Charles Mill Lake. He loved flowers and cacti, even tending to a prolific rose garden. When no longer able to champion the outdoors, James took to bird watching and jigsaw puzzles, which became a competitive pastime with his wife, each rushing to set the final pieces. He enjoyed adventurous classic Western films, but his active nature rarely let him sit still. Often, he would call his children and greet them with the simple yet assumptive line, “what are we doing today?”
Though James’s sunset years were altered by a struggle with dementia, his bold personality continued to shine through. From zealously feeding the fish in his fish tank to offering to help his adult children cut firewood, he never ceased caring deeply about those he loved, and nor did he lose passion for the avocations he enjoyed. He cherished visits from his brother Dean who spent hours with him every week, without fail, during his time at West View Healthy Living. Their bond remained strong until the end, strengthened with each moment they enjoyed together.
James’s life is marked by a large and devoted family, of which he was at the center. He is survived by children Michael Bittinger of Butler, Timothy (Melanie) Bittinger of Bellville, Christine Porter (Rob Sapp) of Butler, Theresa Thompson of Fredericktown, and Beth Klupp (Aaron Oyster) of Bellville, Susan Wood of Mansfield; grandchildren Scott Bittinger, Shaun Bittinger, Brice Bittinger, Destiny Bittinger, Nathan Porter, Dustin Porter, Amber Thompson, and Dakota Klupp, Shannon Miller, Matt Wood, and William Olmo; seventeen great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; siblings Dean Bittinger, Peg Phinney, and Orva Wine; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Dorothy Alice Bittinger in 2021, and brothers Marshall and Danny Bittinger.
The Bittinger family will receive guests Friday, June 14 from 4-7 p.m. in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home, where his funeral service will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. Pastor Patrick Bailey will officiate. Burial will follow in Bunkerhill Cemetery.
Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bittinger family. Share a message of support with them – and watch James’ tribute video – online at: SnyderFuneralHomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Bellville Butler Chapel
Website: snyderfuneralhomes.com