James Lewis Whetzel

James Whetzel, with family members at his side, passed away on May 13, 2018. He was 83. He grew up in rural Arkansas on a farm and later lived in Kansas City.

He was a member of ROTC in college and served later in the Marine Corps as a Captain where he learned to fly fighter planes. Jim started his business career at American Can Company in Kansas City. He served first in corporate offices in New York City, then as technical support internationally where he traveled the globe. At the end of his career he was plant manager of the largest facility for the Company in Chicago, IL.

Jim and his wife moved many times and settled in New Bern in retirement. Rosemary and Jim attended St. Paul Catholic Church. He was honored to be a member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as President of the Columbus Club, Faithful Navigator and Grand Knight. He was proud to be a member of an organization that did work to support many charities and families in need of assistance. He was always happy to work fundraisers, such as LAMB, Yard Sales, and Bingo.

Jim loved to fish, play golf and fly planes. He was a member of the Emerald Golf Club and MGA for over 25 years, and a member of the New Bern Elks Lodge 764. He was known to many for his Shrimp Boils at the Knights, Emerald and the Elks.

He is survived by his beloved wife Rosemary; son, Steven (Cathy); daughter, Andrea Dawn; brother, Kenneth (Lois); sister-in-law, Minnie Rancatore (husband, Budd); brother-in-law, Joseph Natale, as well as many nieces, a nephew, and several grandnieces.

He was predeceased in death by his parents, John and Lula Whetzel.

Visitation will held from 6:00-7:00 pm Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at Cotten Funeral Home. His funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday, May 17, 2018 at St. Paul Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Josephs Cemetery.