Those who touch our lives, stay in our hearts forever.
Obituary
JJames Steven Pittlick, age 82 years, of Pleasant Hill California, peacefully passed away on
4/22/2024, in the presence of his wife and daughters, surrounded by their love for him.
James was born on July 19th, 1941 to parents, Emma Pauline Weise and Matthew Joseph
Pittlick in Oakland, CA. James known as “Jim” to many of his friends, grew-up in East Oakland.
As a young boy, he enjoyed playing football and basketball with the neighborhood boys,
collecting Lionel trains and playing the piano. His first job was at age 14 years old, as a bag
boy at Safeway. He graduated from Fremont High School in 1958. He went on to earn an
Associates degree from Diablo Valley College. As a young man, Jim enjoyed owning cars, with
his first being a 1959 Chevy Impala 2-door bubble top, which he was very proud of. He
eventually obtained his favorite car a 1964 Corvette Roadster.
In his early years, Jim was a skilled carpenter and worked with his father prior to enlisting in the
Marine reserve. On February 1st, 1968 he graduated from the Berkeley Police Academy and
began his career as a police officer with the City of Berkeley. As a new officer Jim courageously
worked the frontlines of the late 1960s Berkeley Vietnam war riots. It was October 8th, 1973
when Jim transitioned to work as a police officer for BART police as badge number “76”. Jim’s
service to the community as a police officer was a very fulfilling and rewarding career. He
worked many special assignments, including a Special Investigation Unit, undercover work and
as a Field Training Officer. Jim worked 30 years as a police officer and enjoyed the camaraderie
of his fellow officers. Because of this, he prolonged his retirement date three times, eventually
retiring on July 19th, 1997.
In 1964, Jim met Phyllis on a blind-date who was the love of his life. Jim and Phyllis married on
January 23, 1965. They enjoyed 59 years of marriage. Throughout their relationship they had
many joys. Challenges too, which they overcame together through their unwavering love and
commitment to each other. On October 20th, 1969 they moved into their home that Jim built
with the help of his Dad, brother and friends. Jim and Phyllis have 2 daughters, Theresa and
Amy. He was a loving Father and devoted husband. A man of strong integrity and commitment
that he instilled in his children.
Annually, Jim and Phyllis spent summer vacations in Lake Tahoe with their family. A dream of
their’s was to build a home in Lake Tahoe which was completed in 1989. One of his pleasures
was taking his family water skiing on Lake Tahoe and having picnics on the beach at Sand
Harbor. Jim enjoyed the serenity of Lake Tahoe, many moments were spent on the deck of their
home sitting in the morning sun working crossword puzzles with a cup of coffee.
During his retirement years, Jim and Phyllis managed a small office complex for their dear
friend Gordon. Working part-time allowed for many getaways to their home in Lake Tahoe and
spending time with friends and family. He delighted in spending time with his grandsons
watching them grow, going to classic car shows and doing carpentry.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Emma Pittlick. He is survived by his
loving wife, Phyllis, daughters Theresa and Amy, son-in-laws Kenneth McKilligan and Chris
Smith, grandsons Noah McKilligan and Maxwell McKilligan and his younger brother Steve
Pittlick. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Jim was a loving father who
cherished his family. He was a proud man with incredible strength having lived the last 6 years
of life with a severe physical disability. Throughout his challenges he kept his sense of humor
and was driven by the love of his family. Jim touched many lives during his lifetime and will be
deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and neighbors.
Memory wall
There are too many fond childhood memories of my Uncle Jim to mention here, but one thing about Uncle Jim was his quick wit. A wit that made my brother, Paul, and I laugh quite often.
I am glad I had a moment to speak with him on the phone a month before he passed. I told him that I love him and that Jesus loves him. Along with his humor and love of family, it was a moment I'll always cherish.
We’ll always remember That special smile, That caring heart, That warm embrace, You always gave us. You being there For Mom and us Through good and bad times, No matter what. We’ll always remember You Dad because They’ll never be another one To replace you in our hearts, And the love we will always have for you
Blessed & so thankful to call you “Dad” ♥️
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