James W. Whitaker

James (Jim) Whitaker, age 87, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2016 at Hospice of Dayton. He was born January 10, 1929 to the late Herbert and Martha (VanHorn) Whitaker of New Boston, Ohio.Jim graduated in 1947 from Greene Township High School in Franklin Furnace Ohio. A few years later (1950) he married his wife (Faye) and moved to Dayton Ohio. During a 36-year career as a Teamster truck-driver and after retirement Jim enjoyed boating, camping, bowling, wood working, and watching sports on television. His love for bluegrass, country and gospel music was experienced through their travels to locations such as Branson MO and Nashville TN. Playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren rekindled memories that were shared with family and friends through laughter and tears.Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Faye; sons Gary (Diana) Whitaker of Dayton Ohio, Jeff Whitaker of Dayton Ohio and Scott (Tracy) Whitaker of Johnston Iowa; grandchildren Wendy (Nathan) Ward, Jody (Kirk) Mader, Bryan (Anne Johnson) Whitaker, Kevin (Sarah) Whitaker, Ben Whitaker, Aaron Whitaker, Noah Whitaker and Hannah Whitaker; great-grandchildren Christian Ward, Charlton Ward, Colin Ward, Chandler Ward and Andy Smyers; brothers Elroy and Fred.Preceding him in death were his parents, sister Louella and daughter-in-law Doris Whitaker.Visitation will be held from 11am until 1pm on Monday March 7, 2016 at TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME-BEAVERCREEK CHAPEL, 3970 Dayton-Xenia Rd at Grange Hall Rd. A life celebration service will immediately follow the visitation. Final resting place is Valley View Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be expressed through donations to your favorite charity. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.