Justin Pittman, of Nederland, passed away Monday, February 26, 2007. Justin had lived just 23 short years, but from the moment of his birth, he brought joy to those he leaves behind - mother, Kristine “Peanut” Laurentz Dillon, father James Pittman, stepsister Kaitlyn Pittman, grandparents Sandra and Gail Laurentz and Clara and Roy “PeeWee” Pittman, and a large extended family, including his godmother Shawn Duplantis and her husband Dennis. Justin had found his soul mate and the love of his life in his adored girlfriend of four years, Valerie Stevens, who he planned to marry next year.
Justin was a 2001 graduate of Nederland High School and a 2003 graduate of a technical program at Lamar University. He attended St Charles Catholic Church, where he was very involved with the Life Team Program as a teenager. He was a skilled bowler, winning many trophies, and enjoyed soccer and golfing. He played softball for Sabine Ship Services on Team E-Z Duz It, was inseparable from his dog Soda, and loved music and Tuesday movie night with Valerie.
Justin would never miss a family gathering. He spent many happy summers fishing with the Pittman family at Uncle Bill’s farm, loved Nordstrom Family Christmas with his Mom’s family, and cherished the time spent with his godfather, the late David Nordstrom, at his lake house. He loved being a big brother to Kaitlyn and his monthly beach trips with his Mom and Valerie. Justin’s uncle Dennis Duplantis, and his cousins Joey Harrington and Scott Nordstrom will be pallbearers.
Valerie’s family had become his own – Val’s parents Leesa and Kerry Stevens, sister Lori Stevens, sister Kristen Foster and her husband Donnie. Valerie’s cousin Jennifer Nettles held a special place in his heart, and in the heart of his family for all she did for him.
When Justin became your friend, he was a friend for life. “Boo” Nunez and Teddy Romero never left his side while he was in the hospital. They will serve as pallbearers along with his other best pals Clint Landry and Kevin Smock. The family was so touched to see the many friends who came to see Justin in his final hours, and knows he loved them too.
A Memorial Mass will be 10:00 AM Saturday, March 3, 2007 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Nederland with Reverend Shane Baxter officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be from 3 to 8 PM, Friday at Broussard’s Mortuary in Nederland.
