Lt Col James C. Whitener

Lt Col James Carlyon Whitener, USAF (Ret.), loving husband, dad, granddad, great-granddad, son, brother, uncle, and friend peacefully passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 25, 2026, at the age of 91 in San Antonio, Texas. Born May 10, 1934, on his mother’s birthday to Carlyon Durand Whitener and Marion Cameron Whitener of Quincy, Washington, Jim was a devoted family man and true patriot. He is the beloved husband of his wife for life, Joy Yvonne (Reichart) Whitener in their marriage of over 66 years.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Jean Packer, Donald Whitener, Lee Dietsch, and Patty Malloy. They had many adventures growing up and stayed in touch through visits and reunions, including his nieces and nephews.

This family man is survived by his wife, Yvonne, and beloved daughters, Maryon Whitener Baumgartner (Neal), Angela Jean Gibbs (Greg), and Jamey Beth Cihak (Craig). Jim and Yvonne are blessed to have 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren with hopefully more to come.

Jim enjoyed growing up in his small town of under 1,000 residents. He was an accomplished athlete in all varsity sports at Quincy High School where he proudly wore green and gold as he played Jackrabbit football, basketball, baseball, and track. He saved newspaper clippings of his games and enjoyed sharing stories with family. As 1952 senior class president, his leadership qualities were honed in preparation for his future career as an officer in the US Air Force. Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing in the nearby mountains and fields especially with his German shepherd, Appy (Apollo). Perhaps because his dad and uncles owned the Whitener Brothers' Ford Dealership in Quincy, Jim has enjoyed driving and working on vehicles especially his Ford Mustangs, Ford F-150 truck, and any fast car from boyhood. The Whiteners worked hard together to make a good life for their family.

Jim graduated from Central Washington College in 1956 with an Economics major. He proved a strong leader and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Air Force through his ROTC detachment. Jim proudly served his country over his 28-year military career in worldwide assignments spanning from England where he met his wife, Yvonne, to Germany, California, the Philippines, Vietnam, the Pentagon, and Homestead, Florida where he retired. When asked what he did in the Air Force, Lt Col Whitener would often reply, “Whatever was asked of me.” He made many sacrifices serving his country and thanked his faithful wife for creating a stable home for their family.

Throughout his life, Jim focused on serving his Lord, his family, and others. After Lt Col Whitener retired from the US Air Force in 1985, he devoted more time to serving his community. He served at his south Florida churches, Redlands Community Church and Old Cutler Presbyterian Church, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Warner Robins, GA and at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa, AL. He was active in Sunday School discussions and Bible studies. Jim helped those in need including the victims of Hurricane Hugo in SC. Years later when Hurricane Andrew struck their home in Homestead, Florida, he again worked hard to repair his own home including their 1¼ acre wooded lot. Putting his culinary skills to practice, he cooked and served at the Homestead Soup Kitchen for the homeless.

This athlete enjoyed playing sports including golf, fitness, and fishing into his eighties. He liked following college sports, especially football and softball. (Roll Tide) (War Eagle). Jim and Yvonne traveled the world discovering different cultures, histories, and peoples. This lifetime learner would have a good conversation on almost any topic engaging others. Jim was quick to argue, but only to get a good conversation going. He stressed the importance of good citizenship, volunteering as an elections clerk for many years and always voted.

Jim’s life is a testimony of God’s faithfulness and loving-kindness and of Jim’s persistence and never giving up despite challenges. He learned to see people the way God sees them, as sinners in need of a Savior and to love them. What Jim would most want others to know about him is his deep love and commitment to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ whom he openly shared with others, as naturally as breathing. It is a great comfort to the entire family that our dearest Jim Whitener is rejoicing in heaven, praising God, and is reunited with his family and friends. He is waiting for the rest of his family in God’s perfect timing. And Jim would beckon you to come to Jesus.

Memorial service will be held at Sunset North Funeral Home, 910 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78232 on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 10:45. Full Military Funeral Honors following at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery for private family service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are welcomed to:

Wounded Warrior Project- Please donate in memory of James C. Whitener. Kindly mail acknowledgement to Yvonne Whitener at address below.

https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=10043&ovr_acv_id=5246

or

Samaritan’s Purse - Please donate on Jim’s Memorial page @ https://www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/james-c-whitener-san-antonio-tx/

Yvonne’s new home is: 18323 Sonterra Place, Apt 5303, San Antonio, TX 78258