Jim Whitaker

Jim Whitaker, 79, of Highridge Dr., Morganton, NC died unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 26, 2006. Mr. Whitaker was born February 28, 1927 in Kentucky to the late Robert Whitaker and Ruth Whitaker. He was a U. S. Army veteran of WW II.. He was a member of Denton’s Chapel United Methodist Church. Mr. Whitaker was retired from Ford Motor Company with 30 years service where he served as local president of the U.A.W. He was an avid bowler, who won many trophies. He also loved to fish and golf.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his former wife, Evelyn Sue Whitaker, a son, Kevin Whitaker,and a sister, Joy Turner.

Mr. Whitaker is survived by daughters; Shawn Brown and her husband, Tim, of Valdese, Christine Roché of Michigan,and Sharon Christnovich of Wisconsin; sons; Brian Whitaker of North Carolina , Joe Whitaker of Michigan, Bob Wagner of Michigan, Ron Wagner of Michigan; and Kirk Whitaker of Ohio, 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by long time companion, Wilma Jarrett, his and faithful companions, Smokey and Misty.

Funeral services for Mr. Whitaker will be 3:00 p.m., Saturday, December 30, 2006 at Denton’s Chapel United Methodist Church with the Rev. Alan Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Memorial Tributes Processing Center, P. o. Box 5216, Glen Alen, VA 23058-5216.