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James Whittington Obituary
James Ray Whittington passed away on May 25, 2025 at the age of 76. Jim was a dedicated servant of the community. He was a member of Wheeling High School's first graduating class in 1966. After graduating from Luther College, he returned to work at Wheeling and in District 214 for 24 years, while also earning his master's degree from Northeastern Illinois University and his doctorate from Vanderbilt University. He served in a variety of roles at Wheeling, including Director of Student Activities and Associate Principal. In 1994, he became the principal of York Community High School in Elmhurst and then went on to become the first-ever principal at Vernon Hills High School.
In addition to his work with local schools, Jim served on Wheeling's village board for six years and its park district board for eight. He also coached numerous high school and youth sports, including football, baseball, softball, soccer and swimming.
Jim was a very quiet man, leading by example more than words. He always prioritized the interests of others, especially students, in his decisions. He was unusually patient, perhaps from a lifetime of supporting the Cubs and Bears. In his retirement, he enjoyed fishing and spending time with his grandchildren.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Blanche and brothers Joe and John. He is survived by Irene, his wife of 53 years; children Eric (Kate), Alison and Brent (Sarah); grandchildren Sefi and Andrew, Linnea, and Cole and Tess; sisters-in-law Pam and Sue Whittington and Marianne (Lou) Nettelhorst; and mother-in-law Ingrid Bark.
An open house celebration of Jim's life will be held on Wednesday, June 11 at Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling, For details, please contact the Whittington family. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you consider a donation to two organizations whose work he supported: Avenues to Independence and the Wheeling Township Food Pantry.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Whittington
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Howard Schlossberg
July 15, 2025
Jim, you were one of the truest gentelmen I ever encountered at all the games I ever covered over four decades at Wheeling. Always a smile, a handshake, pleasant to the core. You are missed. R.I.P.
Carol Conroy Zanio
June 26, 2025
Sending prayers to Jim´s family. He was a dedicated worker for my father and mother at Arlington Home Interiors.
Carol Conroy Zanio
Larry Widmer
June 26, 2025
I will always remember Jim ad a very kind and patient man and I am all the better for knowing him.
Bruce Cruz
June 11, 2025
James and I served together on the Wheeling Township Senior Advisory Council planning senior events. He had a gift for suggesting and planning events. The council and I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with the Whittington family.
Alva Jean kreutzer
June 10, 2025
A great person to educate students. Jim will be sorely missed. Alva Kreutzer, d214 Board of Education President
Wheeling Township Food Pantry
June 10, 2025
Our sincere condolences to your family. James was a dedicated, generous donor to our food pantry and by doing so, he helped to feed so many. He exemplified our motto of "Neighbors Helping Neighbors." May you find comfort in your memories and peace in his legacy.
Dottie Sievert
June 6, 2025
Jim Whittington hired me as his Associate Principal at York High School in 1994. As those of you who know him can imagine, he was a thoughtful Principal and a great team leader during a very turbulent time at York. When I went to Wheeling High School as Principal, he was an amazing friend and mentor to help me learn about the Wheeling Community. Thanks Jim for everything! Pete and I send our sincere condolences to Irene and his family.
Nancy Hogan
June 6, 2025
I was best friends with Jim´s sister-in-law, Marianne. Their house was my 2nd home. Irene was a bit older than Marianne and me. We used to spy on her and Jim through the kitchen window when Jim would bring her home after their dates. I attended their wedding and knew him from Wheeling, class of 74 also. My heart goes out to Irene and the rest of the family for the loss of a good man. Peace be with you all and i hope the many memories of Jim bring you comfort.
Jan Greven
June 6, 2025
Jim, you will be greatly missed. Great teacher and person.
Bernie Neiweem
June 6, 2025
Friend, Work, School and Other? I had the great good fortune to know Jim in all these ways. Teammates for 5 years in sports, classmates at Arlington and WHS, professional colleagues for years and friends throughout. Jim was very, very good at all these endeavors. Better yet, he was a great human being. Condolences to his family.
Mary Dziurgot
June 6, 2025
So sorry to hear about this Irene. You have my deepest condolences.
Gerry Lemke
June 6, 2025
My deepest sympathy
Dan Adomitis
June 2, 2025
Before he was an administrator, he was a great teacher. He spent so much time enhancing the education experience beyond the classroom. I remember when he shepherded a group of us to visit Luther College in 1972. Always kind, even-tempered and encouraging. My sympathies to Irene and the family.
Craig Ameel
June 2, 2025
My condolences. Jim was a very nice man. His calm, thoughtful approach and professionalism regarding school matters is something I´ll always remember about him. I know his reach went well beyond beyond Wheeling high school... he´ll be remembered and missed.
Bill Lucas
June 1, 2025
I taught with Jim at WHS and I admired his ability to perform so many activities and still be a superior teacher. My thoughts go out to Irene and the others in Jim's family as they mourn his passing.
Donna Dubbelde
June 1, 2025
I taught at Wheeling with Jim for many years! He always supported athletics and physical education! He was a good man, teacher , administrator and well respected! May Jim Rest in Peace!!
Ren Sanfilip
June 1, 2025
To Irene and all Family and friends....from the Sanfilip Family...we are all saddened by Jim's passing....lifetime of friendship and pure admiration for Jim's accomplishments...it was always great running into you guys....Thoughts and Prayers....RIP Jim.....
Kristen Wozniak
May 31, 2025
Wishing your family peace and strength during this difficult time.
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