James Miller Whittaker
James Whittaker, or Jimmie, as he was often known, was born in Allentown, Penn., on April 4, 1940. He was the oldest son of Frank and Leona Whittaker and was blessed with a sister, Bonnie, and a brother, Billie.
Jimmie attended Parkland High School and then Princeton University, graduating in 1962 and heading into the U.S. Navy. He served several years aboard the USS Aucilla. In 1965, he married Carol Oberle of Norfolk, Va. Most of his career Jimmie worked for the Department of Defense. He also worked for a few years for the FCC, Freddie MAC, EDS and Truro Episcopal Church. He even did a few years as Santa at his health club.
He was an avid singer, loved woodworking, and had a library of diverse books. Jimmie sang in church choirs, in the Philadelphia singing City Choir and had the opportunity to sing for the Pope. Jimmie loved the Lord, loved his life and the people around him. He was a member of the Wake Forest American Legion and Hope Lutheran Church, where he was an usher and greeter.
Jimmie was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Carol, who passed away in 1991. He is survived by many who loved him including his family. His brother, Billie, with wife, Susan, and sister, Bonnie, and husband, Barry. His two sons and their families: Chris Whittaker and his children, Ally and Brock; Corey Whittaker, his wife, Lisa, and children, Jacob and Rebecca; Jim’s wife, Yolanda Arnone Sonnessa Whittaker, and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchild. Sandy and Steve Price and daughters, Kara and Megan. Gerry and Richard Weinberger and children Josh and wife, Emilie, and Liza. Bob and Sherry Sonnessa and their daughters, Whitney Armor, Kelsea, and Erin; finally, great grandson Jonah Lee Armor.
He is also survived by Carol’s family: her brother, Peter and wife, Sarah Oberle, and their kids Hannah (and Peter) and Andrew; her sister, Bets Oberle; and Uncle George Oberle.
Jimmie was a man of many talents and interests. He was a wonderful father and husband. Most of all, he knew that someday he would begin eternity with the Lord because of his faith in Jesus Christ and he would want the same for you.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.
Jimmie was remembered at a service held at 3 o’clock Saturday afternoon, December 13, 2014, at Hope Lutheran Church.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center.
