James Witter

James Calvin Witter went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. He was 87 years old and had been a resident of Menno Haven for the past three years. He was born on November 8, 1936 to James and Grace (Lehman) Witter. Prior to living at Menno Haven, he had been a lifelong resident of Shippensburg.

He is survived by his wife of almost 21 years Barbara; his children Jean Thrush, and her husband Ray, Paul Witter, and his wife Pam, David Witter, Timothy Witter, and his wife Julie, Steven Witter, and his wife Wendy, Mark Witter, and his wife Suzanne; 21 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. Jim is also survived by Barb’s children Beth Doyle, and her husband Glen, Debbie Dougall and her husband Scott, and one grandchild. Surviving siblings include Patsy Mellott, Hazel Richardson, Susie Elliott, and Sandra Clough, and her husband George, and numerous nieces and nephews. Other survivors of note include his sister-in-law Kathy Hampton, and his nephew Jon Luster, whom he raised for many years.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, by wives Joann and Miriam, by his daughter Nancy, his grandson Douglas, and his sister Florence.

He was a dairy farmer all his life and worked hard to fulfill that calling. In his early years he was recognized by the Pennsylvania Young Farmers Association as an Outstanding Young Farmer. In his later years he earned the designation of Master Farmer from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Jim was a devoted follower of His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Until he was no longer able to attend, he was always faithful to serve in his local church. He was involved in ministries such as CBMC, The Christian Farmers Association, and the Gideons. He had a passion for sharing the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ with others and he distributed thousands of tracts in his lifetime, including one that was written about God’s grace in his own life. He took several ministry trips to places like Africa, Greece, Israel, Mexico and Romania.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. noon at the Newville First Church of God with Pastor Wayne Good and Jim’s son, Dr. Steven Witter officiating. A luncheon at the church will immediately follow the service. A viewing will be held two hours prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Jim will be privately laid to rest in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

Memorial Gifts in Jim's honor may be given to: The Friends of Israel 1179 Almonesson Rd, Westville, NJ 08093.