James Wittstruck

James Wittstruck


Dates

November 21, 1944 - August 17, 2026

Obituary

James Wittstruck, 81, of North Carolina, formerly of Mitchell, SD, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones on Monday, August 17, 2026, at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, NC. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, August 27, at Ethan United Methodist Church in Ethan. Burial will be in Murdo Cemetery in Murdo, SD.

James R. Wittstruck was born on November 21, 1944, in Mitchell, South Dakota. James lived a life defined by quiet strength, generosity, and faith. James was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Above all, James treasured his family.

James is survived by his wife, Judy (Kayser); his five sons, Travis (Lisa) Wittstruck, Ty Wittstruck, Thorne (Nola) Wittstruck, Tryp (Naoe) Wittstruck, and Brian Wittstruck; numerous grandchildren, each of whom brought great joy to his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Milo and Vera Wittstruck, sister, Janice, and his first wife, Toni, the beloved mother of his sons.

To his family, he was unwaveringly loving, warm, and sincere. He made friends easily everywhere he went, and his memory will continue to inspire those who knew him. His presence made the world brighter, and his absence leaves a space that cannot be filled.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to caregivers, friends, and community members for their support during this time.

James will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Dakotas United Methodist Camps, an organization close to James's heart.



Service

Date
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Time
10:00 AM
Location
Ethan United Methodist Church
206 E Ash St
Ethan, SD

Cemetery

Murdo Cemetery
Murdo, SD


Posted by Charlie and Alice Ryan on August 26, 2026
We met James when he was our neighbor in rural Flandreau, S. Dak. We became fast friends. He moved to N.C later to be closer to his sons. We really enjoyed his friendship. He was funny and loved to come over for meals. Whenever he came through to visit his, he always stopped. We will miss his phone calls.
Posted by Dan and Sharon McBrayer on August 26, 2026
We are so sorry for your loss. James was a childhood friend, classmate, and best man at our wedding. He was great at keeping in touch, and we will miss his phone calls and lunch dates.He was such a good friend and will be missed. We send our condolences to his family and friends.
Posted by Rich Sylva on August 26, 2026
So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I used to really enjoy visiting with him at coffee.
Posted by Hart Dental on August 26, 2026
We were all so sad to learn of James' passing. We will miss his presence - he truly did make friends everywhere he went. We are grateful we got to know him.
Posted by Mary Ackman on August 25, 2026
James joined our table for coffee many mornings. Will definitely miss him and his wisdom
Prayers of strength for all
Posted by Karen Mogck DeWaard on August 25, 2026
Judy and family: So sorry for your loss! So glad James reached out last year. I so enjoyed our visit and reminiscing about Rome #36 and high school. My thoughts are with you.
Posted by Lynda Fonder on August 25, 2026
Judy so sorry for your loss. Lifting prayers for you and your family.
Posted by Jerry & Glendine Heinert on August 23, 2026
Judy, we are sorry for your loss; please extend our sympathy to all the family.
With Love, Jerry & Glendine
Posted by Sharon weber on August 22, 2026
So sorry to Judy and family for your loss
Posted by Beverly Freeman Morse on August 22, 2026
I have fond memories of James and his parents. They were special people.
Posted by Jonilyn Gau on August 22, 2026
Judy, so sorry for your loss 🙏🏻
Posted by Ernie & Debra (Boggs) Hohn on August 22, 2026
Our sincere sympathies to your family
Posted by Hank and Bonnie Loken on August 22, 2026
So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Wonderful neighbor and friend.
Posted by Helen and Joe Puetz on August 21, 2026
Judy and family. So very sorry for your loss. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by Wanda Kobes on August 21, 2026
So to all of you for this very sad loss of a great Man !! He will be missed by everyone blessed to know him !!! Blessed to have him as our cousin !!!
Posted by Joe Prickett on August 21, 2026
James and I grew up together on neighboring farms just west of Ethan, SD. We attended Rome #36 one room school and shared many many great times together. I couldn"t even begin to tell you about all of the good times we shared.
Farewell, my friend you will be missed forever!
Posted by Kate Scheich on August 21, 2026
Jim was a good childhood friend of my husband Jack. He stopped in to visit us whenever he was in Denver. And he kept in touch with me after Jack died. I’m sure they’re talking about old times now! I will miss his phone calls. Rest in peace, Jim!
Posted by Kelly Tobin on August 21, 2026
Jim was such a kind man. I always enjoyed our talks about his growing up in Ethan and working with my dad. It was so good to visit with him and Judy at this year's alumni reunion. My sympathies to Judy and all his family. RIP Jim.
Posted by Ruby Wittstruck Rickgauer on August 21, 2026
James kept in touch with me throughout our lives. I will always remember him and his family.
Posted by Pat Wright on August 20, 2026
You are in my thoughts. So sorry for your loss.
Posted by Marge Wagner on August 20, 2026
So sorry for your loss Judy you have my sympathy and prayers
Posted by john blasius on August 20, 2026
wonderful guy we shared a lot of history together!
Posted by Sherry Nebelsick on August 20, 2026
Judy. So sorry for your loss. I’m glad I got to meet him.
Posted by Cheryl John Blom on August 20, 2026
You have our deepest sympathy
Posted by Jake and Bobbie Prickett on August 20, 2026
So sorry on your loss
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