James Roger Pettit, 57, was suddenly called to be with his maker and Lord on the evening of May 4, 2015 in Dublin, Ireland.
James was born on Dec. 14, 1957 in Lockport, New York, the sixth child of Paul Franklin and Joan Goehle Pettit, who preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Laura Wright Pettit, two daughters, Tessa Pettit Ross of Chattanooga, and Cassie Eleanor Pettit, of Dublin, and two sons, Nelson Pettit of Chattanooga, and Wesley Pettit, of Knoxville. Jim was also proud grandfather to five grandchildren, Nellie, Duncan, Charlie, Lewis and Ginny. He is deeply mourned and will be much missed.
A memorial service was celebrated on May 11 in Dublin, Ireland.
A stateside memorial service is planned on Wednesday, May 20, at Calvary Chapel on 3415 Broad Street, Chattanooga, Tn., at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow. The service will be livestreamed at
www.calvarychatt.com. (click on livestream tab, top right corner of page).
James was a serious, accomplished, lifelong musician and a wonderful performer, highly skilled with many instruments. In Ireland he was active in seven quite diverse music groups, ranging from symphonic to blues and jazz. He was also a trained clockmaker and keeper of his own clock shop for many years in St. Elmo. Having sojourned in Montgomery, Philadelphia, and Chattanooga for many years, Jim and Laura had served in an arts ministry in Dublin since 2011 with Serge Missions at the time of his death. He had also served as an elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.
Many will remember Jim fondly for his unique sense of humor and for his deep commitment to the well-being of his many friends. He was kind and generous, and an insightful conversationalist in any discussion of important ideas.
Jim was on his way to an evening appointment with a musician friend to finalize plans for a benefit concert for Nepal relief when his heart seemed to fail, and he met his Father peacefully.