James Edwin Pettus had the good fortune of eighty-four years of life.  He was born February 2, 1936 in Warrior, Alabama.  He joined the Navy at eighteen which sent him to California, where he held the honored position of being a Seabee.  He spent four years in the Navy and traveled to far places during the Korean War.  This is where he met his future wife, Gloria.  He and his wife raised their family in California where he held a managerial position for Rock, Sand and Gravel Plant until retiring.  One of his greatest pleasures was showing his children the world and giving them the tools they needed in life.  In this endeavor he was tireless, loving and relentless in his guidance.  His greatest hobby was restoring whatever he put his hands on to better than he found it.  Upon his retirement it was decided it was time to return to his roots and head back to Warrior, Alabama in 1999 where he built his dream home and created a wonderful addition for the winter chapters of his book of life.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria of sixty-two years. His children, Belinda Wallace and her three children and two grandchildren; Floyd Pettus's five daughters and seven grandchildren; C.J. Black, her husband John, two children and two grandchildren with two on the way; and Regina Mendek, her husband Tom and two children.  His sister, Corrine Howell and her family.  His brothers, C.G. and his wife, Carolyn and family and Charles Pettus and family.  Many nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends, all of whom loved him dearly.

He is preceded in death by his parents Claude and Electa Pettus and his son, Floyd Pettus.

He concluded his book of life on Saturday, July 11, 2020.

James Pettus was an honest man who lived his life with integrity.

He will be forever missed and forever loved, but he will live on in his children and the generations to come.

Visitation will be Friday, July 17, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Messmer Goodwin Funeral Home.  A graveside service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at New Bethel Cemetery.