Obituary for Judson Pettis
On January 7, 2021, Judson T. Pettis transitioned to heaven surrounded by his loving family at Bethany Village.
Born September 24, 1934 in Detroit, Michigan to Sidney and Eleanor Pettis. He graduated in 1952 from Michigan State where he met and married his college sweetheart, Caroyl Whitney. They were married for 66 years.
He started his career with New England Life in Detroit, Michigan in 1956. Jud moved with his family to Dayton, OH in 1958, Boston in 1961 and finally landed in Harrisburg 1964 to become the youngest General Agent in company history and remained there until he retired in 1991. He served as President of both the Harrisburg Association of Life Underwriters and the CLU Chapter. He was the recipient of the President’s Trophy. He founded the PA Pension Planners now owned by son Eric.
He was a true family man and loved by his boys and grandchildren, also known as Big Jud, Mr JTP, Pops and affectionately Crabby by his 11 grandkids.
A leader in the community he was Chairman of the Board at the Harrisburg YMCA and was a member for over 50 years. He served on the board for the former Keystone National Bank as well as many other organizations.
Jud was an accomplished athlete including anything with a racquet. He won championships in both racquetball and handball. He ran the Montreal and NYC Marathons two times each with his good friend Chuck Miller. He took up golf into retirement and won his clubs in house championship.
He was a distinguished gentleman that was loved and respected by all those blessed to know him or have worked for him. He might best be remembered for his sense of humor and his quick wit. It didn’t.matter to Jud if you were the CEO or the maintenance man. He had a smile and hug for everyone.
He was a talented handyman, gardener and poker player. Horses were of interest to him and owned two race horses. As a world traveler he would visit Florida, Mexico, Spain and many international destinations. Volunteer opportunities kept him involved with the Green Belt, Habitat for Humanity and as a volunteer to run chains at Camp Hill Football games. He was active in a Men’s Bible Study and a man of deep faith.
He is survived by his wife and sons, Scott (Gwen) Camp Hill, Jeffrey (NYC), Kurt (Daile) FL, Eric (Patrice) Hershey and Brett of Mechanicsburg. His grandchildren, Laura, Whitney, Evan Karly, Zachary Rachel, Jackson, Erica, Garret, Taylor, Isaiah and great granddaughter, Zoey and several nieces and a nephew. . Preceded in death by sister Joan Scheifele and brother in law Bob of Michigan. There will be a celebration of life, which will include beer at the request of Jud, in June. Myers-Harner Funeral & Cremation Services, Camp Hill, has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
Memorial contributions can be made to his church, Camp Hill United Methodist Church or the Harrisburg YMCA.
Born September 24, 1934 in Detroit, Michigan to Sidney and Eleanor Pettis. He graduated in 1952 from Michigan State where he met and married his college sweetheart, Caroyl Whitney. They were married for 66 years.
He started his career with New England Life in Detroit, Michigan in 1956. Jud moved with his family to Dayton, OH in 1958, Boston in 1961 and finally landed in Harrisburg 1964 to become the youngest General Agent in company history and remained there until he retired in 1991. He served as President of both the Harrisburg Association of Life Underwriters and the CLU Chapter. He was the recipient of the President’s Trophy. He founded the PA Pension Planners now owned by son Eric.
He was a true family man and loved by his boys and grandchildren, also known as Big Jud, Mr JTP, Pops and affectionately Crabby by his 11 grandkids.
A leader in the community he was Chairman of the Board at the Harrisburg YMCA and was a member for over 50 years. He served on the board for the former Keystone National Bank as well as many other organizations.
Jud was an accomplished athlete including anything with a racquet. He won championships in both racquetball and handball. He ran the Montreal and NYC Marathons two times each with his good friend Chuck Miller. He took up golf into retirement and won his clubs in house championship.
He was a distinguished gentleman that was loved and respected by all those blessed to know him or have worked for him. He might best be remembered for his sense of humor and his quick wit. It didn’t.matter to Jud if you were the CEO or the maintenance man. He had a smile and hug for everyone.
He was a talented handyman, gardener and poker player. Horses were of interest to him and owned two race horses. As a world traveler he would visit Florida, Mexico, Spain and many international destinations. Volunteer opportunities kept him involved with the Green Belt, Habitat for Humanity and as a volunteer to run chains at Camp Hill Football games. He was active in a Men’s Bible Study and a man of deep faith.
He is survived by his wife and sons, Scott (Gwen) Camp Hill, Jeffrey (NYC), Kurt (Daile) FL, Eric (Patrice) Hershey and Brett of Mechanicsburg. His grandchildren, Laura, Whitney, Evan Karly, Zachary Rachel, Jackson, Erica, Garret, Taylor, Isaiah and great granddaughter, Zoey and several nieces and a nephew. . Preceded in death by sister Joan Scheifele and brother in law Bob of Michigan. There will be a celebration of life, which will include beer at the request of Jud, in June. Myers-Harner Funeral & Cremation Services, Camp Hill, has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
Memorial contributions can be made to his church, Camp Hill United Methodist Church or the Harrisburg YMCA.