James Robert "Whit" Whittinghill

ARLINGTON, Va. - James Robert "Whit" Whittinghill, of Arlington, died unexpectedly on April 15, 2010, in the comfort and company of his family and close friends.

Jim was born on Feb. 23, 1953, in Billings, to Dr. John and Mrs. Joan (Richey) Whittinghill. He attended Fratt Catholic Grade School, Billings Central Catholic High School and both The University of Montana and the Montana State University. He was a loving father, caring brother, leader and avid outdoorsman. In 1977, he moved to Washington, D.C. and started what would turn into a remarkable career on Capitol Hill.

Jim's professional career had him center stage in politics and Congress with a distinguished career that included staff leadership positions in both the United States House of Representatives and Senate. Career highlights included principal staff assistant to House Minority Whip Tom Loeffler, with his career highlight as Deputy Chief of Staff to Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole. He worked with Senator Dole on his 1996 presidential bid and was commemorated for his work on the Anti Drug Abuse Act of 1988 by President Ronald Regan. Whittinghill later held a senior position with the American Trucking Association, where he ran the prestigious organization's extensive government relations program.

He was persuasive in debate, a keen legislative and political strategist, and always found time to help a friend or admired colleague achieve success.

Jim enjoyed many career highlights and recognitions, but his priority always was his family, faith and friends, and most important among those were his devotion, love and commitment to his beloved children: Caroline and Patrick. Through his example, Caroline and Patrick experienced the genuine love of a proud father. They and all who called him friend, family or colleague with him in any way, recognized qualities of honesty, integrity, faith, compassion and humor: the foundations of character.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dr. John and Joan. Jim is survived by his daughter Caroline and son Patrick; sisters Mary (Terry), Ann (Kevin), Susan (Skip), Jean (Mike) and brothers John (Marisela) and Joe (Blake). He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who will continue to celebrate their uncle's life in and around Washington, D.C., and on the mountains and rivers of Montana.

A funeral mass will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 3513 N. Street N.W., Washington, at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 17. A memorial mass will be held in Helena, Mont., this summer, with interment to follow in Resurrection Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Church; Vista Hospice, 1604 Spring Hill Road, Suite 450, Vienna, VA 22182; or Virginia Hospital Center Foundation, 1701 N. George Mason Drive, Arlington, VA 22205. All played an important role in Jim's life and have the deepest appreciation from his family.