James Hue Whitson

A Celebration of Life will be held at Memory Chapel Funeral Home on Friday, November 7, 2025 at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Gardens. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

James is survived by his daughter, Jamie Clemens (Jay Baugh); his son, Justin Whitson (Katie); and his beloved grandchildren Jesslyn, Jayden, Scarlett, and Leland. He was preceded in death by his wife Judy Whitson, granddaughter, Kylee Whitson; brothers Jeff and Jerry, his sister Jan, and his parents Hester and Thomas Whitson.

As a young man, James was told by his father to either help work the farm or join the military—so he chose the latter and proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1963 to 1967. He was stationed aboard the USS Intrepid (CVS-11) as a Petty Officer 3rd Class (IC3) and took part in the Gemini 3 Recovery Mission in 1965. After his service, he worked for South Central Bell/BellSouth, retiring in 2005 after a long and dedicated career.

James had many passions and talents. He was a skilled carpenter, handyman, and electrician; an avid student of the stars; a devoted numismatist; and a meticulous family historian, tracing his ancestry back to the 1700s. He was a faithful member of Northport Church of Christ, where his quiet strength and steadfast faith were an inspiration to those who knew him.

Though a man of few words, James’s wit was sharp and his humor well-timed—when he spoke, it was often with warmth, wisdom, or laughter. He was kind, generous with his time, and always ready to lend a helping hand. Above all, he loved his family deeply and will be missed beyond measure by all who were blessed to know him.