SMYRNA - James "Jim" Richie Truitt, Jr. of Smyrna, Del., passed away at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, Del., on Wednesday, Mar. 28, 2012. Mr. Truitt was born July 19, 1926 in New Valley, Md., the son of the late James Richie Truitt, Sr. and Mary (Bethard) Truitt. Jim served his country with honors as a member of the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946. He was also a WWII Veteran of the Delaware National Guard from 1946 to 1959. He retired from 32 years of service with the Chrysler Corporation. Mr. Truitt was a Life Member of the Smyrna VFW Post #8801 and the Smyrna American Legion, David C. Harrison Post #14. He was also a member of the VFW Post #8801 Color Guard Unit. Jim was well known for his love of family, friends, his country, parties and beer. An outstanding wood craftsman, he made beautiful clocks, cabinets and furniture. He was also a NASCAR fan and enjoyed going fishing. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Mary (Solloway) Truitt; a brother, Harry Truitt; and a sister, Margaret (Truitt) Hackman. He is survived by his wife, Dessa (Jenckel) Truitt; daughter, Terri Collins and her husband Clarence of Smyrna; a grandson, Michael Pleasanton and his wife Krissy of Chester Springs, Pa.; great-granddaughters, Sidney and Laney Pleasanton; stepsons, Dale Snyder and his wife Donna of Cherry Creek, N.Y., Cecil Snyder and his wife Bonita, also of Cherry Creek, and David Snyder and his wife Judy of Leon, N.Y.; plus numerous step grandchildren, step great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. A viewing will be offered on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Faries Funeral Chapel, located at 29 S. Main St., Smyrna, DE. Funeral services will begin at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, Del., or to Delaware Hospice, 911 S. DuPont Hwy., Dover, DE 19904. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Delaware Veterans Hospital, 1601 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, DE 19805. Condolence letters may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com.