MSgt. James Russell DeWitt, USAF (Ret.)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of MSgt. James Russell DeWitt, USAF (Ret.), who passed away on February 16, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on March 2, 1934, in Dade City, Florida, to the late James DeWitt Sr. and Maude Dimery DeWitt, James lived a life dedicated to his country, family, and his many passions. 

James grew up in Dade City, Florida, and graduated from Pasco High School before joining the United States Air Force in 1952. His service was distinguished, particularly during his time with the Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory (PMEL) group. In the 1970s, this vital group was responsible for calibrating, maintaining, and certifying precision measurement equipment used by various Air Force units. His work ensured the accuracy of systems related to aircraft, weaponry, communications, and other mission-critical operations. James's dedication and expertise earned him the Bronze Star for his meritorious service as a liaison in a combat zone during the Vietnam War. He voluntarily extended his time in Vietnam, where his exceptional contributions in support of the mission earned him great respect from his colleagues. James retired as a Master Sergeant after 22 years of service and continued his commitment to the Air Force as a civilian employee for 33 years, working with the Air Superiority Missiles team as a Missile Equipment Specialist. He was responsible for the BQM-34 and MQM-107 Target Drones and the FIM-92 Stinger. 

James was not only a dedicated serviceman but also a devoted father and grandfather, lovingly regarded as a second father by his grandchildren. He cherished his family deeply and took great joy in caring for his grandchildren. His love for his family was matched only by his warmth, peaceful nature, and the joy he brought to everyone who knew him. 

In his personal life, James was an avid hobbyist. He loved model trains, woodworking, and metalworking, often using his sharp mechanical skills to repair his own vehicles and complete DIY projects. A true electronics technician, he has been a licensed ham radio operator since his youth, and it remained a lifelong passion. He never lost his incredible memory, organizational skills, and his ability to recall the smallest details. But one thing that excelled his memory was his wit. He took life a day at a time and during the most turbulent moments was always a positive force against the tide. 

James was a man of faith, a devoted Christian who loved Jesus and made sure his family was raised in the church. He lived a life of integrity, always following through on his commitments, and was a constant source of love, care, and joy to all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife, Isabella Bain DeWitt; siblings, John DeWitt, Jr., and Miriam DeWitt; daughter-in-law, Kim May DeWitt; father and mother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. George Taylor Bain. 

His memory will forever be treasured by his children, James Russell DeWitt, Jr. (Cindy) of Duluth, Georgia, Gregory Taylor DeWitt of Las Vegas, Nevada, Kurt Alan DeWitt (Kimberly) of Laguna Beach, California, and Deirdre Anne DeWitt Josovitz of Boca Raton, Florida; by his grandchildren, Ginny Foreman (Jonny), Abby Walsman (Steve), Angela Bright, Tasha Stratton (Daniel), Luc DeWitt, Karley Rutherford (Trae) and Sophie Josovitz; by his great-grandchildren, Arabella Stratton, Seth Foreman(Phoebe), Keats Foreman , Gabriel Foreman, Larkspur Foreman, Beatrix Foreman, Silas Foreman, Job Foreman, Mabel Foreman, Ambrose Foreman, Isaac Walsman, Micah Walsman, Andrew Walsman, Benjamin Walsman, Samuel Walsman, Jacob Walsman, Gavin Bright, Peyton Bright, Wyatt Bright, and by his great-great-grandchild: Elsie Foreman.

Many thanks to Richard Mawson (United Kingdom), dad’s nephew on his wife Isabella’s side, for Richard’s tireless pursuit to keep both continents of the extended family connected over the years. Also thank you to his cousin William Myers, and close friend Jerry Peacock since high school for always being by his side. He loved you dearly.  

The family would like to extend our love and special thanks to Lisa English, and her administration and physical therapy team at Putnam General Hospital (PGH) in Eatonton, GA for the continued love, care, and direction they gave to Dad and his family. They made Dad's trials less difficult and his time at PGH more memorable. Dad spoke so highly of his time at Putnam. The cake he was able to enjoy during his 90th birthday while at PGH could only have been made possible with the loving care and next level expert care the Putnam team demonstrated. We will be forever grateful.  

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025, in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. Afterward, MSgt. James Russell DeWitt, USAF (Ret.) will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery with military honors.  

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of James DeWitt to Disabled American Veterans at https://help.dav.org/

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/@McCulloughFuneralHome via the McCullough Funeral Home’s YouTube page.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.