Saturday, April 27, 2024
JAMES THEODORE WITT
Jan. 25, 1979-July 26, 2023
James Theodore Witt came into this world on a blustery cold day January 25, 1979, in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. A big hug and smile awaited all that greeted him. James had a laugh and smile that would light up the room. That light ended July 26, 2023.
The Witt family moved back to Washington state in 1980, where they settled in Leavenworth. The beauty and ideal four seasons were among the reasons this area was selected. In the summer of 1981, the KOA was purchased. This is where James grew up. As a child he would knock on campers’ doors, introduce himself by his full name and ask if they had cookies, or anything to draw with. Growing up he was a constant companion to his mother. No matter where they ventured to, he would strike up a conversation with anyone they came across. He enjoyed playing pool, ping pong, video games, riding his bike, swimming, and meeting new people every day as new campers came and went, forming many lifelong relationships. Work was also an important part of growing up at the campground, but you might as well have fun while doing it. The whole family worked together and formed deep bonds sharing those experiences. Pine needle fest, as we termed it, was the kickoff to the season. The best part was picking up the piles with dad on the tractor. He would raise the loader high while we held onto the bucket and dumped it on the huge pile of pine needles, we would fall in and must crawl out. James learned how to do many different jobs on the campground which gave him a broad base of knowledge.
In 1997 he graduated from Cascade High School as a Kodiak, forming lifelong friendships here as well. He took a gap year while attending a few classes at Wenatchee Valley College, he spent time with family enjoying the beauty of our area and figuring out what he wanted to pursue in his career. The next year he attended Lake Washington Institute of Technology in Kirkland, completing his 2-year degree there while working for Compaq which was later purchased by HP. He truly enjoyed working with both the hardware and the software. Building racks of computers, designing their layout, routing all the wires in a perfectly organized pattern, then installing the software and troubleshooting issues was deeply satisfying for him. He later worked for Microsoft and other contracting companies, and as technology evolved, he grew into those new careers.
James enjoyed music, art, nature, biking, hiking, and traveling. He loved to maintain and upgrade any electronic device or automobile he had in his possession. He most recently had been updating his Smart car and Mustang over the last year, an eclectic leaning, but family was most important James. Enjoying all the summer activities of the area, swimming in the river and boating in Lake Chelan. He also enjoyed the fall when he could watch his Seahawks play and hang with his family. He was always playing fantasy football with family and friends. He also enjoyed wintertime with snowboarding and snowmobiling being the most often enjoyed. Several trips to Hawaii as well as across the US were partaken during his formative years as well as adult years with his family. As everything seems to tie back to the campground where he met and married Samantha Witt (Ellis), when their 15-year marriage ended, it produced two lovely children. Naomi Grace and Mason James. James took great joy in raising his children, he marveled at their ideas, amazing stories, and ever-changing growing minds. The deep love that he felt for them will carry them for a lifetime.
In mid-2020 James met Jennifer Kruse; the whirlwind romance would see them engaged by Christmas 2021. His true love Jennifer, her son Marquise, Naomi, and Mason embarked on many adventures from a cruise to Alaska, to a vacation to Hawaii with family, the 5 had numerous laughs and jokes along the way.
James is survived by his mother Caroline Witt (Chuck Gibbs), Naomi Witt (Daughter), Mason Witt (Son), Jennifer Kruse (Fiancé), Marquise Rainey (Fiancés son). Siblings are Alycia Williams (Rich), Carolyn Witt, David Witt (Lucinda). Several nephews, Chistopher & Matthew (Alycia), Jadon (Carolyn), Gene, Liam, Owen (David). An aunt (Linda Watson) and many cousins from across the US. Numerous dear friends and his fur babies Houston and Zoey. James was preceded in death by Gene Theodore Witt (father), Wyatt Leroy Witt (nephew), Grandparents, Uncles, and Aunts. Please tell the ones you love how much you love them every day. James was a man of love for everyone. He and his father are now shining their love and light on all. Service will be August 18, 2023, at 4:00PM at Grace Lutheran Church at 1408 Washington Street Wenatchee, Washington. Please send all donations to his children Naomi and Mason Witt care of Samantha Witt at BECU.
My dearest Jameson, thank you for showing me the meaning of true love and loving me for who I am. I cannot imagine this life without you. Yours forever with me in my heart. Love Always, Your Sugar
