James E Dittus

October 2, 1927 - February 8, 2004

Dittus, James E., 76 died peacefully, Sunday February 8, 2004, surrounded by his family. Born October 2, 1927 to Rudolph and Winnifred Dittus in Hebron, N.D. Jim’s grandmother and grandfather Dittus were German immigrants from Odessa, Russia. Jim grew up in Dickinson, N.D. where he graduated from Dickinson High in 1945. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served one year in the Philippines. Upon discharge he enrolled in N.D. State University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. Jim was a member of Blue Key, Sigma Chi Fraternity, and earned the title of “Mr. Engineer”. Upon graduation he was employed by the Bureau of Reclamation in Dickinson. In 1951 he moved to Loveland, CO. to assume work on a power plant on the Big Thompson River. He met and married his wife, Dottie in Loveland in 1952. In 1954 he took a position with Central Surety Bonding Co. in Kansas City. In 1956 he joined the Williams Co., the Pipeline Co., eventually being named WILLBROS. He was employed there for 37 years and was named Vice-President of the Western Hemisphere in 1967, traveling the world building pipelines. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.Jim was a member of First United Methodist Church in Tulsa and Carpenter S.S. Class, Rotary Club of Tulsa, German-American Society and Tulsa Mens Club. Jim and Dottie enjoyed traveling with Reecher Travel and BANCFIRST Status Club, experiencing the joys and cultures of many countries. Jim enjoyed collecting antique tools, playing golf, drawing up and creating new inventions especially toys. He served Meals on Wheels for several years, and volunteered for the Tulsa Police Department, UDE, serving 8 years. He was an all around handy man and enjoyed beautifying his home and yard.A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, February 13, 2004 at the First United Methodist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma at 11th and Boulder. A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 13, 2004 at 10:30 A.M. at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens. Friend are welcome. Visitation is planned for Thursday, February 12, 2004 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Floral Haven Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to Tulsa Street School in care of BANCFIRST, attention Heather Holcomb, P.O. Box 680, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74101Survived By: his wife: Dottie of 53 years; daughter: Julie Forrester and husband Keith; children: Jennifer and Jordan, son: Tom Dittus, son: Jim Dittus and wife Judi; children: Jade, Emily, Eli and Luci, Lynette Dittus; children: Bryant, Daniel, and Julia, wife and children of Mitch Dittus (Deceased). Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother: Tom Dittus; sister: Joyce Keisse and son Mitch Dittus, past Executive Director of Tulsa Street School. Mitch died February 20, 2003