James "Duane" Bittner, Jr.

James “Duane” Bittner, Jr., age 91, of Massillon, passed away on Thursday, February 24, 2022. Jim was born on August 19, 1930, in Ecorse, MI, the son of the late James and Florence (Langenfeld) Bittner, Sr. Jim was a proud United States Navy veteran and served our country during the Korean War. He often mentioned that those were the best 4 years of his life. He retired from the East Ohio Gas company after 30 years of service. He was a 1948 graduate of Washington High School. Jim was a huge Massillon Tiger’s fan and had season tickets for 50 years. He was an avid golfer, bowler, and enjoyed gardening and yard work. His pride and joy were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Harold, and Don Bittner. He is survived by his wife Jan (McConnell) Bittner, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage; his children, Tom (Kellie) Bittner, and Marie (Dan) Ricker; grandchildren, TJ Bittner, Danielle (Ryan) Hickey, Trevor (Jill) Bittner, and Lauren Ricker; great-grandchildren, Carson, and Landon Hickey; sisters, Norma Ritz and Charlotte Hess; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Fr. Raymond Paul, Officiating. Those unable to attend the Mass may click on Facebook Live Streaming at 11 a.m. to watch the service. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. The family will receive guests at the church on Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. before the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Messages of comfort and support may be sent to the family at www.paquelet.com. Paquelet Funeral Home & Crematory (330) 833-3222