John Emmett Pitts Jr. (November 7, 1924 – August 9, 1977) was a brigadier general in the United States Air Force and was director of the International Staff of the Inter-American Defense Board.

Two months after entering the service, he was appointed a cadet at the United States Military Academy.

In 1951, Pitts served with the 136th Tactical Fighter Group in the Korean War, flying 100 missions in the F-84 Thunderjet fighter-bomber aircraft and receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with oak leaf cluster.

From 1968 through 1971, Pitts served as deputy commandant of cadets for military instruction at the United States Air Force Academy.

In 1974, Pitts became director of the International Staff of the Inter-American Defense Board, a position at which he served the remainder of his career.