James Josiah Dittman

James Josiah "Jimmy" Dittman, 79, of Cropps Corners Road, Knox, a well known area musician and square dance caller, passed from this life to eternal life with Jesus at 9:55 p.m. Sunday, January 1, 2012, at UPMC Hamot in Erie following a short illness.

Born November 30, 1932, in Salem Township, he was the son of the late Charles C. and Rosa Berlin Dittman.

Jimmy attended Salem Grade School, later moving to Limestone, New York, with his parents. He graduated from Limestone High School as salutatorian of his class.

He joined the U.S. Air Force, served four years during the Korean War as a Tail-Gunner in a B36 and B29. Before being honorably discharged, Jim had attained the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Jim is survived by his wife, Shirley Ann Wetzel Dittman. The couple was united in marriage in 1957 in Ninevah by the Rev. Rismiller.

In the spring of 1957 he organized the Jimmy Dittman Band, calling for square dances for more than 50 years in Western Pennsylvania. Through the years he held many benefit dances for seriously ill transplant patients, individuals, and families with physical and financial needs. He loved to see people laughing and enjoying his dances.

He was a volunteer member of Singers for Jesus at UPMC, ministering to patients for ten years beginning in 1997.

For the last five years his Monday evenings were spent with friends at Kenny Blausers's music garage playing and singing country and gospel music where friends dropped in to listen. He loved playing his guitar, banjo, and mandolin.

He began his working career at Knox Glass Plant. He then worked 25 years at Reno Mold Shop as a glass mold maker, and finished his working career at Brockway Glass.

Jimmy regularly attended New Zion Evangelical Congregational Church in Emlenton, and enjoyed studying and discussing his Bible.

He enjoyed working outdoors caring for his lawn, shrubbery, and home. He also enjoyed sitting on the swing in the summer evenings with his wife, Shirley, while playing his guitar and singing.

He was proud of his family of three daughters, Pat Yargar Marshall and her husband, Ron, of Knox, Carol Cotherman and her husband, Tim, of Knox, Faye Neely and her husband, Jim, of Fairbanks, AK; grandchildren, Michael Yargar and his wife, Alicia, Carrie Smith and her husband, Tim, Clint Yargar and his wife, Bobbi, Coti Schoedel and her husband, Rich, Tyler Cotherman, and Jenean Neely; and great grandchildren, Izabel and Izaiah Yargar, Serena Smith, and Jaxon and Roman Schoedel.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two sisters, Eileen Johnson and Ida Mae Henry; a brother, Neil Dittman; and a son-in-law, Bob Yargar.

Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home Inc., 1204 Kerr Avenue, Emlenton, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 Friday and from Noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Funeral services will be held from the funeral home at 2:00 p.m. Saturday with the Rev. Charles Campbell, pastor of New Zion Evangelical Congregational Church in Emlenton, officiating. Interment will follow in St. Marks United Church of Christ Cemetery in Monroe. Memorial contributions in Jimmy's name may be made to New Zion Evangelical Congregational Church, 1195 Airport Rd, Emlenton, PA 16373, or to a charity of one's choice.