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James Whitlock Obituary

James "Jimmy" Whitlock

76, owner of the world-famous Masterpiece Lounge, died May 31, 2013. Among his most memorable accomplishments, beyond never breaking par at Douglas Park Golf Course, was fathering two boys - James Whitlock II and Jason Whitlock - who embraced their father's love of pea-shake houses, Crown Royal, the Indiana Pacers, women and still managed to meet their father's demand of achieving academically. James Whitlock II made his dad proud by earning a bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University and taking a management position within Ford Motor Company. Jason Whitlock, after winning a football state championship at Warren Central High School in 1984, earned a football scholarship to Ball State University. Jason studied journalism, graduated in 1990 and, like his father, became an expert on all things sports related. He is a national sports columnist and media personality for FOX Sports. Mr. Whitlock, who completed the 11th grade at Crispus Attucks, loved to brag about his boys' accomplishments.

Known throughout Indianapolis as a ladies man, between his three marriages, Jimmy Whitlock was considered this city's most eligible bachelor well into his late 60s. His brother, Kenneth "Fox" Whitlock, who preceded him in death, was his only rival during the 1980s, although this fact was often heatedly disputed by the Ballard Brothers and A.J. Jimmy Whitlock is survived by his two sons, his sister Audrey Whitlock, two grandchildren Jay and Jonathan, his Masterpiece Lounge family, including Mikki and Boogie, and his caregiver Yvonne Lacey.

The Whitlock's will celebrate Jimmy's life on Wednesday at Crown Hill Memorial Chapel . Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to Noon. The visitation is open to the public. The funeral service and burial will take place beginning at Noon. The family respectfully asks that attendees wear bright colors and dress in a manner consistent with Mr. Whitlock's personality. This will be a celebration of a good life. After the services, the Whitlock's will receive Jimmy's friends at the world-famous Masterpiece Lounge for the repast following services. (If you need the address, you're not invited.) Doors will open at 2:30 p.m. The fun will begin at 2:31 p.m.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Indianapolis Star on Jun. 3, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for James Whitlock

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John

May 17, 2024

RIP sir.

Anybody know if his dad was James Whitlock that drowned on the white river ?

June 22, 2013

REMEMBERING THE GOOD OLD DAYS AND WHAT A WONDERFUL PERSON YOU WERE.MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN HIS LOVING ARMS FOREVER MORE. DIANE,MARION,JAMES & PAT WILSON

Deborah Miles

June 10, 2013

RIP in god loving arms.

Dorcia Polk

June 8, 2013

Jimmy good friend and good person. He will truely be missed.

Dj Johnson

June 7, 2013

We will all miss you

Jennifer Banks

June 6, 2013

Jimmy, thank you for all the memories. You will be missed but not forgotten! To the staff of the Masterpiece especially Mikki and Boogie, our prayers and thoughts are with you.

SAMUEL CARSON, SR.

June 6, 2013

Character + Class = Mr. James Whitlock (good man). BLESSINGS to the family!

Charlene Lange

June 5, 2013

RIP Jimmy

Paula Hamilton

June 5, 2013

Thanks for the memories, Jimmy

June 5, 2013

You will be missed but NEVER forgotten.

Michelle Glenn

June 5, 2013

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Leah Ross

June 5, 2013

My Prayers go out to the family. May God be with you in this time of bereavement and celebration of Life. The Masterpiece was a place that ALL in Indianapolis knew about.

June 4, 2013

One of the nicest employer. I had the pleasure of working for I will truly miss are throw back shots.your friend Debbie Hester.

June 4, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Glad we had the opportunity to be a part of your life. Can't believe you're gone, you will be missed. Randy and Sally Ballard

Kelly H

June 4, 2013

Jimmy...you will be missed....My deepest sympathy to the family...May an Angel wrap their arms around you and comfort you.....

EUNICE FLETCHER

June 4, 2013

my condolence to the whitlock familey jimmy you will be miss rest in peace RIP,

June 4, 2013

We send our condolences to the Whitlock Family sorry to hear of your loss may god add a blessing to all of you The remaining sisters of Shot , Joanne, Pat, Tennie, Lula, Whitlock Cousins forever.
Marcia and Bea Bo

June 4, 2013

Much love and many blessings to the family. You are in my prayers.
Roberta "Tiny Hood"- Oatts.

REV. JOE HILL

June 4, 2013

MR WHITLOCK, SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR HOME GOING. BUT I LEARN A LOT FROM YOU AND FOX. I LEARN VERY WELL BEING AROUND AND THE CLUB AT THE JIMMY'S J BAR J. THAT'S RIGHT I USE TO KEEP THE TURN TABLE'S GOING THURSDAYS TO SATURDAY. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE SOME ONE I KNEW. RIP.THE D.J OF THE WORLD , THE DISC JOCKEY OF THE HOUR JOE L. HILL THE TAURUS. NOW KNOWN AS REV. JOE L. HILL,THE BISHOP

June 4, 2013

My Deepest condolence to Ms. Audrey and the Whitlock Family. I know how much you loved your brother. Even though we expect death at some point in life, its never easy when it takes our loved ones away from us. I pray that God give you grace and strength to get through this moment.

Taste Budds Restaurant

Ruby Black

June 4, 2013

GREAT TIMES!! RIP!!

Ruby Black

June 4, 2013

RIP!! You will be missed. Masterpiece was a lounge where you had great fun and soul.

David Dabney

June 4, 2013

Mr. Jimmy Whitlock, you were one of the most well dressed, level headed, philosophical gentlemen that I have had the pleasure to share life and times with. The "Starlite", 34th and Arlington, and The Master-Blaster (The Masterpiece Lounge) are just a few of the Establishments with the "Whitlock" stamp on it, I have learn so much from you and "Fox" about every aspect of true manhood!, besides my father Henry Dabney and my Stepfather Clarence "Bud" Foote ("Foots") you were a large influence in my life on style, dress and class! At one time in my life "The Masterpiece Lounge" was my second home, for 25 years I enjoyed visiting the club and my spot against the back wall where the "Original Players" shared their philosophical views while generating laughter and handshakes usually with Jimmy, Fox or Boogie right at the helm!
Everybody wanted to be by Jimmy's side, he was a true leader among his peers and those within his circle of business, his success was do to skilled ability to make you feel comfortably in a very difficult environment!
Jimmy Whitlock was a jewel, he will truly be missed, but anyone who was fortunate enough to have really known him will always have a piece of Jimmy Whitlock with you!
Thank you Mr. Jimmy Whitlock for the influence, advice and most of all the great memories!
To the family members..
Please except my deepest and most sincere condolences, may you ease into this transition knowing your beloved Mr. James "Jimmy" Whitlock was admired and loved by many!!

With his pain no more, he is at peace!

Grider

June 4, 2013

Thoughts and Prayers go out to the family I was one of the six that carried Fox to his Resting place RIP Jimmy

RUTHANNE FERRELL

June 3, 2013

YOU WILL BE TRULY MISSED. RIP MY BROTHA.

RUTHANNE FERRELL

Keshia ButlerBoddie

June 3, 2013

I will miss you " Uncle Jimmy" ! Love your niece Keshia

terry spikes

June 3, 2013

didnt know mr Whitlock but loved the obituary.rest in [peace jimmy & much love to the family-T

Andrew Laury

June 3, 2013

I will miss you Jimmy...I had a lot of fun at the MasterPiece over the years with both Jimmy and Kenny I will pray for the family RIP my brothers...Andrew L. Laury (DREW)

June 3, 2013

God Speed U will truly b missed Gussie Ware Carter and family.....

June 3, 2013

To the Whitlock family,

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. A lot of folks have fond memories of your dad and the Masterpiece.

June 3, 2013

Rest in PEICE Jimmie..The Youngers of L A

Felicia Radford

June 3, 2013

To the family sorry for your loss.

Diane Barker-Walker

June 3, 2013

We will all miss you

Leon Barker

June 3, 2013

We will miss you !!!

Leon & Frances Barker

Yolanda Lamar-Wilder

June 3, 2013

WOW! Sorry to read you gone Jimmy. Met my husband at the Masterpiece many years ago. Always love the atmosphere and everyone there. Jimmy, you were a good guy and now you can RIP.

Dorris L Potter.... made he Jimmy Whitlock rest now.

Dorris Potter

June 3, 2013

My prayers are with the children and the family.

June 3, 2013

I am truly sorry to have missed meeting this person. What a great obituary.

MIDGE KELLEY

June 3, 2013

I sure had some good times in the Masterpiece! Rest in peace Mr James

RUTHANNE FERRELL

June 3, 2013

WILL BE MISSED SO MUCH.RIH JIMMY.
RUTHANNE FERRELL

carlton chaney

June 3, 2013

my thoughts and prayers are with the family. Jimmy is in a much better place now!!!!

Iowa Doug

June 3, 2013

Jason,
Sorry for your loss, my thoughts and sympathy go out to you. I always loved hearing you talk about your dad and your experiences and learning sports at the world famous Masterpiece Lounge.

Your friend and fan,
Iowa Doug

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