Obituary of Carlton James Vitus

Carlton James “Jim” Vitus

Born June 6, 1926 - Died June 29, 2023

 

Carlton “Jim” Vitus passed away at the age of 97 on June 29, 2023 after a long and eventful life. C. James was born and raised in Eugene, Oregon and was a graduate of the University of Oregon. After serving in World War II, Jim married Ruth “Robbie” Robinson of Spokane, Washington in 1947 and they spent their early married life in Eugene. Jim worked at Vitus Electric Supply Company, which was founded by his father in 1927, and later owned by his brother Bud. Jim started his own manufacturer’s rep company (electric and lighting products) when the family moved to Phoenix Arizona in 1959. Jim and Robbie had six children: Susan Marie of Eugene; Janet “Jan” Amelie (Bruce Womack) of Salem; Nancy Ann of Springfield; Jeffry James (Marina) of Kelso Washington; Molly Joan (Gerald Nottingham) of Paonia Colorado; and Judy Lynn (Dan Carrion) of Phoenix Arizona. After retiring, Jim and Robbie moved from Arizona to Waldport Oregon. They later settled on 6.5 acres in Alpine Oregon, where Jim raised trees.

 

Robbie passed away in March of 2004, and Jim’s only brother Maurice Bruno “Bud” Vitus passed in October 2016. Jim is survived by five grandchildren (Sara Tomac, Greg Nottingham, Matthew Carrion, Caitlin Carrion, and Darya Vitus), and five great-grandchildren (Gavin Lough, Lyla Nottingham, Lucas Don Nottingham, Penelope Tomac, and Cameron Leo Tomac). Jim was preceded in death by his grandson Philip Vitus of Seattle, Washington. Over the past 25 years Jim enjoyed seeing Vitus relatives (cousins, nieces, nephews and greats) at the annual Vitus family reunion held in the Eugene area.

 

Jim spent nearly his entire life active in the Boy Scouts of America. At age 17, he was the founding chief of the Tsisqan Lodge 253 in Eugene, which continues to this day. C. James, his son Jeffry, and daughter Susan are Order of the Arrow scouts; grandsons Greg and Matthew are Eagle scouts; and Jim has attained most every award scouting can give during his years of dedicated service to youth. In June 2023 Jim was awarded a special pin and certificate for his 85 plus years in scouting. Scouts especially remember his wood work, feather craft, and fabulous cooking. Jim was honored a few years ago when the Oregon Trail Council of Boy Scouts named a campsite at Camp Alton F. Baker (near Florence Oregon) for him.

 

Visitation will be held from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Thursday July 6, and followed by a rosary at Musgrove Family Mortuary, 225 S. Danebo, Eugene, OR. Jim’s funeral will be held at 12:15 pm on Friday July 7 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1062 Charnelton St, Eugene, OR 97401. It will be followed by a reception in the parish hall. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in south Eugene.

 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Eugene Masonic Cemetery Association/Hope Abbey

Mausoleum, PO BOX 5934, Eugene, OR 97405. Contributions may also be sent to Boy Scouts of

America, Oregon Trail Council.

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