James “Red” D. Pettit, 84, of Bryan passed away early Monday morning at Hillside Country Living in rural Bryan. He was born on July 14, 1936 in Leo, Indiana to Reverend Stacy and Lois Mae (Vernier) Pettit. Jim graduated from Pioneer High School in 1955.
Jim retired in 2001 from Sauder’s Woodworking after 13 years in the packing line. Prior to that he worked at the ARO Corp in Bryan for 25 years on the paint line. Jim attended Life Changing Church in Edgerton. In 2001 he was inducted into the Williams County Hall of Recognition for Basketball. On December 7, 2019 he was inducted into the North Central High School Sports Hall of Fame. Jim was a loving family man with a laugh like no other.
He is survived by his children Sheila (Dan) Green of Baraboo, Wisconsin, Holly J. Pettit of Montpelier, Sonda (Mark) Wiles of West Unity, Tangi (Shawn) Rockey and Sammy (Tina) Pettit of Pioneer; nine grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and one more on the way; and sister Mary Link of Bryan.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, son Steven Pettit in 1967, brothers Robert “Clam” and Kenneth “Brownie” Pettit, brother-in-law Larry Link and best buddy Emitt.
Jim will be laid to rest in a private graveside service at Floral Grove Cemetery in Pioneer, Ohio. Memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association, Williams County Humane Society or Hillside Country Living Activity Fund.