OBITUARY
James Harrison "Jimmy" White
July 27, 1940 – July 25, 2017
James Harrison White, fondly known as Jimmy or Little Jimmy White was born in his parents’ bedroom on the Northside of Richmond on July 27, 1940. He often said that day was the hottest day recorded for that date at the time. He unexpectedly “escaped the surly bonds of the earth” on July 25, 2017. May flights of angels sing him to his rest. Jimmy is survived by his beloved and devoted wife, Pat; two nephews, one niece, three great nieces, two great nephews, and one great-great nephew; his sister-in-law, Shirley A White and his mother-in-law, Luisa T. Melancon. He is also survived by a myriad of caring friends; his very special extended family and partner, Connor White, in Vermont, and three precious cats who will search for him for a very long time. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Mary Elizabeth Harrison White and Stafford M. White, and his much older and uglier brother, Stafford M. White, Jr. A graduate of Chandler Junior High and the old John Marshall High School in Richmond, he was a member of the corps at Virginia Tech and a member of the Army Reserves. He was an avid Hokie fan and took great joy in making dollar bets on Hokie football games. He had a long career as a stock trader in the brokerage industry, working on Wall Street in Manhattan, in Washington and for various brokerage firms in Richmond and Baltimore. Other than trading activities, he most enjoyed mentoring the young people who shared the trading desk with him. He was famous for leading them in a spontaneous and rousing rendition of Shall We Gather at the River. At the age of 49, Jimmy began to lose his central vision due to a rare form of macular degeneration. His fighting spirit never wavered and he was so talented at disguising his disability that many people forgot he had it. His many interests included wildlife photography; growing bonsai and flowering plants, especially roses; sharing his plants and cuttings; watching CNBC and a huge variety of old movies; researching various stocks; Par 3 golf (he made two holes in one in one 12 month period while in his 60’s); entertaining his large and varied collection of friends; creating outrageous costumes at Halloween (usually of the feminine persuasion), and, most of all spending time with his Pat. He was in the habit of leaving a flower and an illustrated love note for her when she woke up in the morning. They traveled to Europe; New England; and beaches, thoroughbred horse racing tracks and casinos up and down the East Coast. He was proud to say they made nine trips to New Orleans. In his later years he loved spending time in what he called their little cottage in also known as the Brandermill White House. Jimmy and his Patrizia met in May 1983 and were married on August 27, 1988. They were simply each other’s soulmate in every sense of the word. Partners in all ways, they managed an Ebay business, selling antique china that they loved to find at estate sales and auctions. They started a successful pet sitting company for cats in 2016. They brought each other joy and they loved each other well. Pat and Jimmy spent the last 18 days of his life in ICU and PCC at Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center. There are no words to explain or express their gratitude for the compassionate care they received from everyone there. Jimmy was studying the stock market and making new friends up until almost his very last breath. He will be remembered for his insatiable taste for pizza, his quick and subtle wit, his enduring love of Pat, being a true Renaissance man, his thirst for learning about many topics, his ability to give advice without being judgmental, and his crazy outfits which usually consisted of mismatched, plaid pajama pants and his favorite robe. He always treated everyone with respect – young and old of every station in life. If you look in Webster’s for “one of a kind”, you will see a photo of Jimmy, an absolutely unforgettable man. He will be fondly and deeply missed by all who knew him. When you get where you are going, build a fire, sweetheart. Build it really big so that I can find you. Pat requests that no flowers be sent. If you want to make a donation in remembrance of Jimmy, please consider the Virginia Foundation for the Blind, Make A Wish Foundation, or the Richmond Animal League.
Services
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Memorial Service
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Memories
James Harrison "Jimmy" White
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYAugust 22, 2017
Pat
Jamie and I are so sorry to hear about the passing of "The love of your life" We always loved seeing you two, exuding your sunshine. I have never been around Jim without having a good laugh.
Love
Jamie and Buck Accashian
Linda Trimmer
August 7, 2017
Pat,
I am so sorry for your loss, but you have beautiful memories to carry you forward. I worked with Jimmy at Wheat many years ago, what fine wonderful person he was. Many thought and prayers to you,
Sandy White Grow
August 2, 2017
Pat I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved husband and dear friend Jimmy. I hope all the wonderful memories of your life shared will bring you comfort during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and orayers
Denis & Judy Graffum
August 2, 2017
On a scale of one to ten- Jimmy was an eleven. Judy and I applaud the true love between Pat and Jim and their superb life together. We know those memories, perhaps tearful to reflect on now, will bring joy as time goes by. The Whites made us smile always.
We are better for knowing Jimmy and Pat.
Be at peace Jim.
Love,
Denis & and Judy Graffum
July 31, 2017
Pat: I am so sorry about Jim's passing. When I saw you together, it was always a joy to watch you both interact with each other. Your happiness and love filled the room...any room you were in. Blessings for the difficult days ahead.
Judy Sydnor
Lee Powers
July 31, 2017
Deepest Love and Sympathy dearest Pat! I will see you tomorrow to pay tribute and celebrate Jimmy's life with you. My thoughts and prayers continue!
Carol Cook
July 30, 2017
We are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He will be missed by so many including Robert and me! Pat, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kim and Jim Gianopoulos
July 30, 2017
I will always cherish Jimmy's sincere comments of positive praise to lift others, his sense of humor, his hospitality, his joy of music, his love for animals and his green thumb. He brought us all together to enjoy life at its fullest. Pat and Jim loved each other deeply and were an "inspiration" to others which touched the hearts of many. I love you Pat and will miss Jim very much.
July 29, 2017
There is a star in the sky tonight shining brighter than others. That's our Little Jimmy White. You are greatly loved. Our deepest condolences to your soulmate, Pat. You will be missed, dear friend.
Lin and Millie Ford
Gail Swineford
July 28, 2017
Miss Pat, my heart aches for you over what has to be the greatest loss in your life. You and Jimmy set such a fine example for others to witness what true love resembles at its finest.
"I will not leave you comfortless" John 14:18
This promise has brought me solace many times over the years; I hope it will be meaningful to you as well.
Blessings and love,
Miss Gail
Michael Via
July 27, 2017
I learned a great deal from Jim back in the 1990's. His business experience, good humor and keen observation skills were invaluable to me. He was a generous and unique character who will be sorely missed.
Bernie Henderson
July 26, 2017
As President of Woody Funeral Home, I extend our deepest sympathy from all our staff for your loss. We are committed to providing the utmost care to you at this time and throughout the days to come. Our purpose is to assist and serve you in a manner that exceeds your expectations. We pledge to strive to merit the trust you have reposed in us.