James Conrad Pettinger

passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones on February 10, 2025 at Suncoast Hospice

of Palm Harbor FL. Jim’s life was marked by his sharp analytical mind, deep faith, and loving heart which

guided him through a life well-lived. A steadfast husband, he was preceded in death by his cherished

wife, JoAnn (Ridley-Corley) Pettinger, with whom he shared a life full of joy, love, family, and most

importantly fun.

Born on an Iowa farm on February 22, 1934 to Adolph Prosper Pettinger and Virginia Lauhoff Pettinger,

he was the 4th of 9 children. Jim was raised with a sense of responsibility, duty and hard work along with

a healthy dose of fun. His children and grandchildren thoroughly enjoyed his tales of farm life, the work

horse teams, the one room school house where most of the students were either his siblings or his

cousins and all things hysterically funny as he would share with family on cherished holidays and times

together.

He proudly served his country as an Army veteran before graduating from Creighton University with a

degree in mathematics and then making his mark in the computer industry at IBM. His commitment to

excellence and knack for teaching and problem-solving made him a respected figure among his peers. In

the latter part of his professional journey, Jim found a passion for consulting, and opened SDA, a strategic

planning organization where he used his leadership and planning skills to assist many corporations.

He and his first wife, Betty, raised their 6 children in Colorado, where many weekends and family

vacations took them camping and exploring the mountains. His children talk of the ‘rootedness’ they feel

to family and a sense of worthiness and value they carry because of the cherished memories they have of

family trips together back to the Iowa farm and their grandparents, those camping trips and also the daily

memories of dinner and spilled milk and backyard fun and singing and playing the piano and helping each

other grow up. They remember his wine making escapade when the wine exploded in the basement, his

rock polisher grinder that he made that burned up one night, his wood working talents, desperately trying

to revive a dieing hamster while all those little people looked on, singing to them in the bathtub, loading

his pipe and smoking it, the yardstick that he kept above the bedroom door that he never ever used but

somehow carried his quiet authority to behave and go to sleep, the hike up the great sand dunes with his

gentle urging of just putting one foot in front of the other until we were all the way to the top, tossing the

football until the streetlights came on and how incredibly proud they were of him when he walked into a

room…. Thinking to themselves.. ‘That’s my dad’.

When the children were grown and gone, life took a turn; illness, a divorce and then Jim met darling

JoAnn and life got even more rewarding and fun. He and JoAnn travelled the country in their

motorhome, eventually landing in Frostproof Florida in a charming house on a golf course lake. They

lived happily there for 20 years, creating and fostering deep friendships, volunteering within the

community, golfing every day and playing bridge most evenings. They eagerly welcomed all of their

children and grandchildren to their home that provided a restorative sanctuary to all.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim was an avid golfer, relishing the quiet mornings on the

green and the camaraderie among fellow enthusiasts. Jim and JoAnn were renowned for their laughter,

hospitality and that 4pm toddy, a cherished daily ritual that friends and family would often join.

Most recently in his care homes, Jim’s legacy is one of love, wisdom, and thoughtfulness. His kindhearted

nature touched everyone he met, and his faith-filled approach to life's challenges was an

inspiration to all. While he will be deeply missed, the memories of his laughter, his guidance, and his

sharp wit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him.

Above all, Jim was a family man. He is survived by his 6 children, Patty West (Dallas, TX), Mary Carroll

(Dunedin, FL), Susan Holcombe (Houston, TX) Steven Pettinger (Dunedin, FL) Rita Reinhart (Watkins,

Colorado( and Scott (Albuquerque NM) and dozens of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

His dedication to family was evident in every aspect of his life. In every place he called home, he was

adamant about creating his family wall, a beautiful construct of family photos and memories. The

highlight of life was always the family visits and deep connection he had with his children, step children

and their children. And even in the last week of his life, weak and tired and mostly non responsive, he

waited until they got to him. Waited for his children to be by his side…one last time.

Jim's life was a testament to the virtues of common sense, kindness, intellect, and faith. His presence

enriched the lives of those around him, and his legacy will continue to be felt by all who had the privilege

of knowing this remarkable man. As we bid farewell to James Conrad Pettinger, we celebrate the indelible

mark he has left on this world and the hearts of those he touched. He will be deeply missed but forever

remembered.

Funeral mass will be held at St. Catherines of Sienna, Largo FL on Tuesday March 4th at 7:00 pm.

Internment will be on June 7th at 3:00 pm at Curlew Hills in Dunedin, Fl followed by a celebration of life at

Highland House restaurant in Dunedin, FL.