James Fair Witten, age 90, of Corsicana passed away on Thursday, February 24, 2022, surrounded by his family and loved ones. A devout Christian and loving husband, father and grandfather, Jim filled his home with joy and laughter. His many patients and their families appreciated Dr. Witten as a deeply caring physician who prioritized their holistic care above all else. Friends and patients alike appreciated his kind and gentle manner and dry wit.

Jim was born on March 9, 1931, in St. Louis, Missouri. His family moved to Dallas, where he attended Highland Park High School. At the University of Texas at Austin, he studied chemical engineering and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. In 1955, he earned his medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School. After graduation, Jim enlisted and served two years as a Lieutenant and ship's doctor in the United States Navy. When not caring for shipmates and passengers, Jim read the Bible and the dictionary several times in their entirety, which may account for his Biblical knowledge and extensive vocabulary.

After receiving an honorable discharge, Jim interned at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, where he met Laurel, the love of his life. The couple had only known each other a month when they married in 1960 and moved to Texas. There, Jim completed his internal medicine residency at the Dallas VA Medical Center. In 1962, Dr. Witten joined Medical Arts Clinic in Corsicana, where he practiced as an internist until his semi-retirement in the late '90s.

Although he was known for working long hours, Jim always made time for his family and community. He was an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church, serving several terms on the church's Vestry and participating in many Bible studies. He was especially fond of the men's breakfast group. Dr. Witten offered his expertise in public health settings and many other endeavors during his 60 years in Corsicana. Most recently, he served as a judge for the Lion's Club annual essay contest and was a prolific fundraiser for their annual golf tournament. Together, Laurel and Jim enjoyed preparing and delivering meals for Food for Fitness.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Laurel; parents, Frank and Lucille Witten of Dallas; and brothers, Bob Witten of Bridgeport, and Tom Witten of Austin. He is survived by his children, Christie Cummings of Temple, Jennifer Clearman of Houston, Jeff Witten and wife Jennifer of Agoura Hills, California; sons-in-law, Joey Cummings of Troy, and Scott Clearman of Houston; grandchildren, Lauren and Leigh Cummings, Katherine and Anna Leigh Clearman, and Alex and Carter Witten; and loved nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 11 at Corley Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, with Father Ed Monk officiating. Jim's ashes will be interred in the columbarium at St. John's Church.

The family would like to especially thank caregivers Pat Gardner, Nora Taylor and Sheila Hicks, for their loving and excellent care. The family is also grateful to the caregiving teams at Navarro Regional Hospital, The Village at Heritage Oaks and New Century Hospice. In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorials to Corsicana Lion's Club, Compassion Corsicana, The UT Southwestern Medical School, or to the charity of their choice.

To share memories and condolences with the family, please visit www.corleyfuneralhome.com