Photo courtesy of Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home - Harlingen
Harlingen, Texas
Aug 16, 1945 – Jan 5, 2024
James Nathan Whitis, Sr. known affectionately as “Rooster,” passed away on January 5, 2024, in his home surrounded by family. He was born in Harlingen, Texas on August 16, 1945. James was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, great-uncle, brother, son, and friend.
He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Espie Whitis, and their children, Jimmy (Lisandra) Whitis of Harlingen, Ralph (Lynda) Soto of Harlingen, Tammy (Carlos) Garza of Victoria, and Tiffany (Jerome) Whitis of Kyle. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Kaylan (Adam) Hood, Kristan Whitis, Alex (Amber), Mercedes, and Ralphie Soto, Allison and Anthony Garza, and Courtney, Shawn, and Ty Gill and his great grandchildren Matthew and Addison Hood, Kai Parker, and Phoenix Rose Soto.
James was preceded in death by his father, Claude Whitis, his mother Tommie Lene Sharp, and his brothers Gene Whitis, Sr. and Dayton Whitis, Sr.
James attended Dishman Elementary in Combes, Texas for his primary education and graduated from Harlingen High School in 1965. James dedicated 36 years to Ferguson Motors/Bert Ogden as a Service Manager. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Combes, Texas and a member of the Elks Lodge in Harlingen, Texas.
In his leisure time, James enjoyed fishing, golfing, gambling, watching football and baseball, as well as playing cards and dominoes with friends and family. He enjoyed coaching kids’ baseball, football, and kickball teams in his earlier years.
James loved his family and life-long friends; he will be dearly missed.
Pallbearers include Alex Soto, Ralphie Soto, Anthony Garza, Shawn Gill, Paul Dickey, Mike Dickey, Trey Dickey, and Edward Saldana. Honorary Pallbearers include James Mays, Durrell Lovell, and Kevin Lovell.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Trinity at Harrison Funeral Homes. The family will accept visitors from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm and will hold a prayer service at 7:00 pm on Thursday, January 11, 2024. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 2:00 pm followed by a graveside service at Combes/Harlingen Cemetery at 3:00 pm.
Arrangements are under the direction of Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home, 1002 E. Harrison Ave. Harlingen, TX 78550.
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How much Heaven is with Rooster there !
We have been the best of Friends for over 70+ years !! He will be missed by so many and we will join him one of these days . Hopefully not anytime soon , I’m not ready for that journey yet !! We loved him more then he knew along with his amazing family !! He was a blessing to us and left us with many beautiful memories for us to keep in our hearts !! ❤❤
James and Jane Mays
January 11, 2024 | Harlingen, TX | Friend
Uncle James I know you are at peace and in the arms of Jesus. I love you so very much, I will cherish our memories forever and you will be so so missed. Thank you for your loving nature and all the uncontrollable laughs! Fly with the angels.. Espie and family may God wrap you all in his arms of comfort.
Heather Gilbert
January 09, 2024 | Missouri City, TX | Family
To the family of James, please accept our condolences, and may God bless you all. A long time friend, growing up in the same neighborhood, and attending schools in Combes and Harlingen. I had the pleasure of working with him at Ferguson Motors in the late 60's. Rest in Peace my friend.
Buryl L. & Sylvia Williams
Buryl Wiliams
January 09, 2024 | San Angelo, TX | Friend
Our condolences to the whitish family. Jim was a very truly good friend to our 2 boys Gilbert Jr & Javier Canales. He would address them as how are my boys doing. He would always joke with Javier. He would picked them up for bingo when they didnt have a ride. You will truly be miss by them and so many friends too. Prayers to the family.
Gilbert Canales
January 08, 2024 | Harlingen, TX | Friend
Our deepest sympathy.
Ana and C.A. Pressler (Saldaña)
Ana Saldaña Pressler
January 08, 2024 | Houston, TX | Family
Sorry to hear about James´s passing. Life long friends growing up in the same neighborhood. God bless and comfort the family.
Jerry Williams
January 07, 2024 | Friend
Sorry to read about James passing. I remember when he worked at Ferguson Motors years ago. My dad always told us-you only talk to James about your car cause he´ll make sure it will be fixed right!! And that is what we would do. James was a good guy!! Prayers for Espi and family.
Julie Hummert Powell
January 06, 2024 | Other