Harold “James” Pettigrew, Jr., 69, of Dexter, Kansas passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at William Newton Memorial Hospital in Winfield.
Funeral services will be held at 10 AM Saturday, June 1 at Hick’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Dexter. Burial will follow at the Cedar Vale Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM Friday, May 31 at the Shelley Family Funeral Home of Winfield. Memorial contributions in Harold’s name may be made to the Autism Society of America. Contributions may be left in care of the funeral home.
James was born in Cedar Vale, Kansas on December 19, 1949 the son of Iola (Gordon) and Harold Pettigrew, Sr. He graduated from Dexter High School in 1967, he also received his Associate’s Degree from Cowley County Community College and pursued his Bachelor’s Degree at Emporia State University. He was united in marriage to Donita (Carson) on May 22, 1982 at Hick’s Chapel in Dexter. James was a farmer his whole life and also worked for Rural Water District 5, from which he retired in 2016. He liked working on his farm equipment, fishing and being outdoors, he especially enjoyed hiking and camping in Colorado, Yellowstone National Park and anywhere with mountains. James was very fond of visiting friends and family and was a passionate story-teller. He was also a member of Hick’s Chapel.
James is survived by his wife Donita Pettigrew, children: Chelsea Louise and husband Philip Olson, Andrew James, Stephen Wayne, Marshall Alexander, and Wesley Stuart; grandchildren: Faith Colleen, Paisley Faith, Lukas Reed, and Aspen Raine; Siblings: Nikki Slaven, Stephen Pettigrew, Lynn Norris and Dawn Powell, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents.