James C. Witt, 89, entered into Heaven at 7:01 pm Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at Alton Memorial Hospital.
He was born on August 19, 1926 in Hartford, IL, the son of Marion and Julia Witt.He married Barbara R. Broadway on October 30, 1947. She preceded him in death on August 8, 2014.James enlisted in the Army Air Corp and served from 1945 – 1947 during World War II. He served again from 1951 – 1953 in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He worked for Owens Illinois Glass in the machine shop in Godfrey for 40 years, retiring in 1986. He was a member of the Bethalto Masonic Lodge #406 for 60 years, serving 39 years as secretary. He was a grand lecturer for many years and a past master. He was also an honorary member of ten Lodges.He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Nick Otis Nichols of Ormonld Beach, FL; two sons, James Alan Witt of Fosterburg and Todd Witt of Alton; a son-in-law, Edward Schwegel of Godfrey; his grandchildren. Erin (Seth) Phillips, Matthew (Karin) Witt, Eric Schwegel and Christopher Witt; great grandchildren, Ashlyn, Claire, Logan, Ian, Hannah and Elise; brothers, Marion Witt, Ray and Geraldine Witt, Benjamin Witt, and Gary and Elaine Witt; two sisters-in-law, Caroline Witt and Bernice Broniec and several nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Carla A. Schwegel, a sister, June Ellen Witt and a brother, Aaron Dean Witt.Visitation will be from 5 pm until Masonic Rites, given by Masonic Lodge #406 at 7 pm Saturday, March 26, 2016 at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf in Bethalto. There will be a funeral service to follow with Pastor Don Long officiating.Private burial will be at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto next to his beloved wife.Memorials may be made to Godfrey First United Methodist Church or Illinois Masonic Children’s Home in LaGrange, Illinois.Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com and www.facebook.com/eliaskallalandschaaf.
