James C. Witt, 89, of Alton, entered into Heaven at 7:01 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at Alton Memorial Hospital.
He was born Aug. 19, 1926, in Hartford, the son of Marion and Julia Witt.
He married Barbara R. Broadway Oct. 30, 1947. She preceded him in death Aug. 8, 2014.
James enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served from 1945 to 1947 during World War II. He served again from 1951 to 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. James was a member of the Bethalto Masonic Lodge No. 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 10 Lodges.
He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Nick Otis Nichols of Ormond Beach, Fla.; 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 p.m. until Masonic Rites, given at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 26, 2016, by Masonic Lodge No. 406 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.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com and www.facebook.com/eliaskallalandschaaf.