James E. Witty

James E. Witty

Heaven gained the most extraordinary angel on Sunday, December 17, 2023.  Jim “Spider” “Homer” was born on April 18, 1934 in Joliet, Il to Agnes Gornick and James Witty.  He attended St. Joseph’s Grade School and Joliet Catholic High School.  He married the love of his life, Carol Klancher on May 12,1956.  They spent 68 wonderful years together raising their four children.  He was preceded in death by his parents, favorite uncle Red Witty, and his in-laws, Josephine and Frank “Flash” Klancher. Jim is survived by his adoring wife Carol, sons Jim (Lori) Witty and Jerry (Jeana) Witty and daughters Lisa Sloan and Keri (Dave) Bernhard. He was the proud papa of Jamilyn (Brandon) Seeman, Michael (Sabrina) and Kristin Witty, Matt (Claire), Nate, and “Jackson” Sloan, MacKenzie, Kelsey, and Karly Bernhard; loving great grandpa of Connor and Chloe Seeman.  Also survived by sister-in-law and brother-in-law Judy and Bill Naal.

Jim was a die-hard Chicago White Sox fan, and was able to enjoy many of the 2005 World Series playoff games with his sons and son in-law. Jim loved celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, and considered himself “the luckiest guy in the world” to have the family and friends that he did.  Many of those holidays were spent celebrating at the basement bar on Kelly Ave. serving enough corned beef and cabbage to feed an army while he and the boys poured green beer, preferably Old Style, to anyone who stopped by.  Holidays and family were so important to him. He loved hosting everyone on Christmas Eve and celebrating with friends and family long after midnight mass was over.

Some of his favorite memories were made walking the beach and collecting shells on Siesta Key beach, the Caribbean Islands of St. John, St. Thomas, and Aruba, and traveling through Europe with his “be-you-ti-ful” wife.

Jim was a loyal member of the Moran A.C, Chaney Club, and St. Raymond’s Church.  He was employed by Carpenters Local 174 and the University of St. Francis.

The family would like to thank his wonderful care takers and Lightways Hospice, who allowed Jim to live out his final weeks at home surrounded by his loving family.  We will miss those beautiful blue eyes, incredible quick wit, funny pranks, and his warm welcoming personality. We will miss HIM terribly! Until we meet again, “Cheers!”

Per Jim’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

The family will receive relatives and friends for a memorial visitation in the Nativity Room at St. Mary Nativity Church, 706 N. Broadway Street in Joliet, on Friday, December 22, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. At 10:00 a.m. a Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the sanctuary of the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made as gifts in Jim’s name to either Lightways Hospice Care or to Mercy Home.