James E. Pettit, 67, Elkhart, Indiana died at 5:59 P.M. in Elkhart General Hospital. He was born January 7, 1943 in Elkhart to George and Fannie Hay Pettit. He married Sue Huggins June 12, 1965 in Elkhart, she survives. Also surviving is a son Jeff Ginger of Dublin, OH, daughter Jill Marc Barfell of Elkhart, grandchildren Brad and Ben Barfell, Natalie and Molly Pettit, sister Phyllis Charles Gordon of Elkhart, sister-in-law Judy Robert Sassaman of Elkhart. In 1965 Jim began his banking career in Elkhart with the First National Bank serving as senior vice president until 1990. In 1991 he founded J. P. Industries, Inc. and served as President until his death with divisions of J. P. Engraving, Keline Mfg., A-One Corporate Apparel, A-One Signs & Graphics. Mr. Pettit was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Elcona Country Club, served on the board of directors of Horizons West Association, Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, formerly served on the board of directors of the Elkhart Humane Society, Elkhart General Hospital, Elkhart County Fight Crime Fund, Board of Aviation, Chairman of the Elkhart Sesquicentennial, St. Joseph Flotilla Committee. He was a 1961 graduate of Elkhart High School, 1965 graduate of Tri-State College and served in the Indiana National Guard. He served as Elkhart City Councilman as finance chairman. Friends may call from 3 to 8 P.M. on Wednesday at the Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home, funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday at Trinity United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Mark Fenstermacher and Rev. Lore Blinn Gibson officiating. Burial in Rice Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Elkhart General Hospital Foundation, Elkhart Central High School Dollars for Scholars or the charity of one's choice.