James Loren Whitaker

James was born on February 1, 1943, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to Burl Dwaine Whitaker and Alena Pearl (Harvey) Whitaker.

James was a family man. He loved his family and worked hard to ensure they had a good life. He retired from the railroad in 1993 and spent the remainder of many happy years with Linda.

James and Linda were of the Christian faith.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Burl and Alena Whitaker and brother, Eugene Ray Whitaker.

James is survived by his wife of 63 years, Linda Kay (Turner) Whitaker. They had two children: Dwaine Roy (Kathy) Whitaker and Tommy Dale (Melissa) Whitaker; grandchildren: Jessica Leigh Whitaker, Jennifer Nicole Czartoszewski, Jacob Nathaniel (Emily) Whitaker, Annie Reilin Whitaker, and James Lee (Chloe) Whitaker; siblings: Ronald Lynn (Sandy) Whitaker, Karen Sue (Lester) Long, and Kevin Glenn (Elaine) Whitaker.

The visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 10am at First Baptist Church of Maryville, 7110 IL-162, Maryville, Illinois 62062. Immediately following the visitation, the memorial service will begin at 11am.