James Edward Whitten Sr.

Born on March 22, 1941, in Red Bank, South Carolina, James was the son of the late C.L. Whitten and Nettie Chalmers. He grew up in a large, loving family of twelve children, where he learned the values of faith, hard work, and family devotion that guided his life.

James faithfully served his country in the U.S. Army, spending two years in New Mexico and Germany as part of the Pershing Missile Battalion. After his service, he worked alongside his brothers in roofing before beginning a long career in the roofing and maintenance department at the University of South Carolina, where he dedicated 30 years of service.

For nearly 53 years, James was married to his beloved wife, the late Diana Rae Davis Whitten. Together, they built a family rooted in love and faith. He is survived by his son, James Edward Whitten Jr. (Sarah), and his daughter, Theresa (Ben) Beevers. James was a proud and loving Papa to his grandchildren: Savannah, Julianna, Hannah, Jimmy, and Joy. He is also survived by his sisters Vivian Shull, Betty Morris, and Christine Thelen, along with many nieces and nephews who cherished him dearly.

James was preceded in death by his brothers Billy, Homer, Earl, Bobby, Wayne, and George, and by his sisters Doris Reeves and Nell Gainey.

A man of deep faith, James found great joy in serving the Lord. He loved Grace Baptist Church in West Columbia, SC, and Five Mile Baptist Church in Allegany, NY. For nearly 20 years, he served in the bus ministry at Grace Baptist, faithfully picking up elderly members so they could attend church. He often shared that the most important moment in his life was when he surrendered his heart to the Lord Jesus Christ—a decision that brought him peace, purpose, and the ability to be a blessing to so many.

To his children and grandchildren, he was the greatest Papa who ever lived. To his family and friends, he was a humble, hardworking, kind, and loving man whose legacy of faith and love will live on in the lives he touched.

James will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, August 22, 2025 at Grace Baptist Church, 416 Denham Avenue, West Columbia. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Celestial Memorial Gardens, 3111 Delree Street, West Columbia.