James Somerville White

James Somerville White, 59, of Culpeper died at midnight July 11, 2015. Born September 20, 1955, Jim was the son of Winfrey G. White, Jr. and Louise Payne White. He is survived by sister Deborah W. Craggs (Alan) of Culpeper and Faifax counties, nephews Lane Craggs and Michael Strawn (Denise) and great-nephews Evan and Wyatt, all of Fairfax County and cousins Janice Sponcil, Edward Brown, and Peggy Collins, all of Kentucky. Also surviving are his precious canine companion, Levi, and his partner of many years, Douglas Conley.

A graduate of Culpeper High School, Jim received his Bachelors degree in education from James Madison University. After working locally with challenged adults at Radian Community Services, Jim began teaching in the Fairfax County school system. Following his heart and his love of travel, Jim began a career in commercial aviation in 1983. With the ‘start-up’ airline, Presidential Airways, Jim was among the first group of flight attendants based at Dulles Intl Airport. He worked to supervise and train new-hires as the airline expanded. Jim flew for Northwest Orient Airlines from 1989 until his disability in 2007. He was able to see much of the world from his base in NYC and later from the home he established at the Honolulu, HI base.

With the opportunity to travel to so many places, Jim made friends all over the globe. People were drawn to Jim by his razor-sharp wit and keen ability to spin a yarn about so many of his experiences. When Jim’s working career came to a close he returned to his childhood home in Culpeper where he gave back to the community in so many ways. He enjoyed his volunteer duties at the Museum of Culpeper History and later at the Culpeper Hospital.

A service celebrating the life of Jim will take place on Saturday, July 18 at 11:00a.m. at the Clore-English Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, Jim would want donations directed to the charity of your choice in his memory.