James Callen Whitten

James Callen Whitten, 82, of Midland, passed away Sunday, September 11, 2011. He was born May 7, 1929, the son of Thomas Marion and Rosa Ross Whitten. He was raised in the Houston Heights and attended St. Thomas High School. He graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Geology in 1956 and came to work in West Texas with Humble. He married Patricia Brophy on November 16, 1957. Pat and Jim lived in Lubbock, Midland, Hobbs, Snyder, and Monahans until settling in Midland where Jim became an independent Geologist.

He was preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years and their four devoted children: Dawn Howard and husband, Randy, Aileen Lands, Natalie (Whitten) Schwarz, and Chris Whitten and wife, Julie. Also mourning his passing are twelve grandchildren: Blake Howard, Kyle Weir, Clay Weir, Amanda Schwarz, Megan Nolan, Alex Howard, Whitney Weir, Ross Schwarz, Annalise Lands, Alice Whitten, Thomas Whitten, Mary Grace Whitten, as well as two great grandchildren.

Pallbearers are: Kyle Weir, Clay Weir, Blake Howard, Ross Schwarz, Leighton Bush, Brad Bush, Tom Kleinworth, and Frank Kleinworth. Honorary pallbearers are: Thomas Whitten, Randy Howard, Martin Brophy, John Brophy, and Joe Kleinworth.

A rosary will be held at the Ellis Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 7:00PM. Funeral mass is scheduled for 10:00AM Wednesday September 14, 2011 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church of Midland with Monsignor Larry Droll officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home of Midland, Texas. Condolences can be made at: www.ellisfunerals.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the American Lung Association (8207 Callaghan Road, Suite 140, San Antonio, Texas 78230, Tel: 210-308-8978, website: http://www.lungusa.org/donate), Brookwood Community (http://brookwoodcommunity.org), or charity of your choice.