James Benjamin Whitaker Sr.

James Benjamin Whitaker, beloved husband, devoted father of three, and proud grandfather of eleven and great grandfather of one, passed away in the presence of family. To his children and grandchildren, Jim was a source of unwavering love, laughter, guidance, wisdom, and encouragement. He was always there for his family and people that needed him. To his colleagues and community, he was a pioneer in the field of behavioral health, guiding care and compassion for nearly five decades.

Jim’s life’s work was rooted in service, first in his church as a youth, and later his service to Circles of Care in Brevard County, Florida, where he began in 1970 when it was still known as the Brevard County Mental Health Center. Over the next 47 years, he helped lead the organization through growth, new facilities, expanding capabilities and programs, change, and national recognition. Jim retired as President and Chief Executive Officer in 2017. Circles of Care provides not only mental health treatment but also substance abuse recovery services, with Jim championing comprehensive, community-based care for individuals and families across Central Florida. Jim was always looking for ways to help more people in over four decades as CEO. Jim was known to quietly smile whenever he heard from a patient—or the family of a patient—that they were doing better, or that they had found their way back on track. That was all he ever wanted: to see people heal and move forward in life.

Jim earned his Bachelor’s Degree at Florida Southern College and his Masters of Social work from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Throughout his career, Jim also served on a variety of boards and national associations, where he worked to improve mental health and substance abuse treatment standards. Jim was recognized and received awards many times in his career. However, he was the last person to speak about them. Jim was humble and always focused on helping others. He gave back in many ways. One way was teaching classes as adjunct professor for multiple schools sharing his expertise, ensuring that future generations of professionals would carry forward the mission of compassionate care.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jim was deeply devoted to his family. He loved to travel with his wife and family and he valued family time above all else. His late wife of 54 years, the lovely Dorothy Whitaker (DoDe), who passed away in 2020, was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Together, Jim and DoDe built a life filled with love and laughter. Jim and DoDe were cherished by their family, friends, neighbors, and all whose lives they touched.

Jim is survived by his three children James B Whitaker II (and fiancé Barbara), Candace Waters (and husband Richard), Andrew Whitaker (and wife Micah) eleven grandchildren, Cameron Whitaker, Owen Waters, Dehaven Whitaker, Caroline Waters, Zach Whitaker, Masen Whitaker, Jillian Waters, Payten Whitaker, Sophi Belgdour, Lillian Whitaker, Vanna Whitaker, great grandson Lorenzo Whitaker and fur baby Fred who will carry forward his legacy of kindness, integrity, and service. He is also remembered by countless colleagues, friends, and community members whose lives he impacted through both his professional leadership and his personal generosity.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date. In keeping with his lifelong commitment to service, the family invites those wishing to honor his memory to make a contribution to a local mental health or substance abuse organization.

“A life of service leaves a legacy that time cannot diminish.”