Influential Abilene architect, Jimmy Tittle dies at 97

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Perhaps no other architect has left a more lasting impact on the City of Abilene than Jimmy Tittle. In his decades of service to the place he called home, both as an architect and on the many boards he’s chaired, Tittle has been involved in multiple high-profile projects either as lead architect or contributing to their completion.

The late architect’s notable works include the Abilene Zoo, Taylor County Courthouse, Abilene Regional Airport Terminal, and several university buildings in the area. Tittle passed away this year at the age of 97, and his friends and family are now reflecting on his legacy. Lynn Barnett, a longtime friend, caretaker, and former colleague of Tittle’s, is a member of the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council. She describes him as truly one of a kind.

“He helped really shape the cultural landscape of our town. I had the privilege of knowing him and really him being part of our family for almost the entire 45 years we’ve been in Abilene,” Barnett said.

Barnett often described Tittle as having been more like family to her. Throughout the years, they would attend each other’s Christmas parties. She says social settings like that are where you could really see his personable manner at play.

“He has just been a pillar of our cultural community, and his people skills were truly extraordinary. You know, it was just a very genuine connection that he had with people, which I think is a gift,” said Barnett.

Barnett said his personable nature is the reason she believes he was able to accomplish so much. She added that he always had a way of bringing people together to accomplish a task.

‘Tittle Lake’ at the Abilene Zoo was named in his honor in 2022. Tittle was a major advocate for the lake when he designed the zoo in the 1960s. Zoo Director Jesse Pottebaum told KTAB/KRBC that without Tittle’s contributions, he might not have come to Abilene, and the zoo would not be what it is today without Tittle’s input.

“What brought me to Abilene was obviously the zoo, but the more attractive part of the zoo was this lake right behind me. Not many zoos have a perimeter that has a big body of water, so that was a great thing that Jimmy Tittle invented when he drew up this zoo,” Pottebaum said.

The lake offers a beautiful location for relaxation and also serves a practical purpose. Pottebaum noted that the winds that blow across the water help cool both zoo guests and animals during the summer. This feature showcases Tittle’s foresight and attention to detail.

“I met Jimmy Tittle the first week I got here, and he’s an excellent man—very humble, very kind, and he’s just a good-natured guy. He taught me all about the zoo, the reason why he built this lake: because lots of cities need attractions like this, and it’s very good for our zoo to bring out that messaging of conservation,” said Pottebaum.

Tittle’s designs have significantly influenced the cultural landscape of Abilene, and his work continues to guide its growth even after his passing. Pottebaum explained that the decision to leave space for the Zoo’s expansion has facilitated the large addition that is currently in progress.

Historical photos in the above gallery courtesy of UNT Libraries via the Portal to Texas History

“Jimmy was thinking of the future when he designed the zoo… Just his vision of knowing that a small little zoo in Abilene could expand at some time. And we’re about to break ground here in the next year,” Pottebaum said.

In addition to his architectural work, Tittle served on many boards such as the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, Chamber of Commerce, the local and State Commission on the Arts, and the American Institute of Architects. In 1987, he was named Abilene’s Citizen of the Year. In 2023, his beloved Alma Mater, Texas A&M, named him one of only 12 ‘Distinguished Alumni’ on a list which spans the entirety of the school’s 149-year history.