James Charles "Jim" Pitts

James Charles “Jim” Pitts, 78, of Franklin, NH, passed away on September 23, 2022 at home surrounded by his loving family after battling 16 years of Agent Orange Cancer. Born in Hope, AR on July 31, 1944, he was a son of the late Frank and Dorothy (Bundy) Pitts. He shared 33 years of marriage with his wife, Sheila (Bechard) Pitts.

Jim was raised by a Baptist Minister who was building churches throughout the country, and therefore he spent his childhood in various places.  He proudly served twenty years on active duty in the U.S. Army as a commissioned officer, retiring in 1987 with the rank of Major. His primary specialty was Armor, with secondary specialties of Public Affairs and Organizational Effectiveness. He served in Vietnam, Germany, Panama, and various posts in the United States. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, two Bronze Star Medals, five Army Commendation Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and the Vietnam Civic Action Honor Medal, First Class. While serving in the Army, Jim also earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Texas at El Paso in 1973 and his Master of Science in Sociology from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, AR in 1979. Upon return to civilian life, Jim had a long career in New Hampshire municipal government. He served as the Administrative Services Officer in Merrimack, City Manager in Franklin, and Town Administrator in Pelham and Bow. He loved his work in municipal government and was proud to serve his local communities, even helping after his retirement. His hobbies included scuba diving, reading and history.

Jim was involved in many organizations and boards throughout his life, including: International City/County Managers Association; New Hampshire Municipal Management Association (President, 2005); New Hampshire Local Government enter; NH Login (Executive Board); Concord Regional Solid Waste/Resource Recovery Center (Joint Operating Board); Military Officers Association of America; Association of the United States Army; Disabled American Veterans; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Fourth Cavalry Association; and the American Legion.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sheila N. Pitts; his son, Kenneth P. Pitts and his wife Katherine; daughter, DeAnn M. Pitts; stepdaughters, Michelle M. Thorp and her husband Daniel, Lisa A. Couture and her husband Michael, Lynn A. Buchanan and her husband Timothy; his brother Don Pitts and his wife Cindy of Blanco, TX; his sister, Marisha Morgan of Houston, TX; his brother-in-law Wayne Bechard and his wife Ania of Westford, MA; as well as nine grandchildren, one great grandson, and many nieces and nephews.

Jim will be laid to rest on Friday, October 14th at 2 PM at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH. Family and friends are invited to attend.