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James Maxwell Whitford

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James Whitford Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Mar. 3 to Mar. 5, 2023.

James Maxwell Whitford ERIE - James Maxwell "Max" Whitford, 83, of Erie, PA, passed away on February 17, 2023, in Fort Myers, FL, surrounded by his loving family, following a brief illness. Jim was born on December 16, 1939, in Jamestown, NY, to the late E. Maxwell and Margaret Whitford (Crossley). In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Margaret and Shirley Whitford.

He was a 1958 graduate of Academy High School. Jim served his country in the United States Air Force. He worked his entire adult life as a plumber before retiring from the Erie VA Medical Center.

After his retirement, Jim completed the USA Four Corners Tour on his motorcycle. He was always quick to lend a hand building garages, decks, sheds, doll houses and even Lego castles. Jim enjoyed staying active by golfing, kayaking, and most recently, playing pickleball six days per week. Above all else, his greatest joy was his family.

He is survived by his bride of 60 years Barbara Whitford (Galleur); children Steven Whitford (David) of Port Republic, NJ, James Whitford (Christopher) of Arlington, VA and Kerri Yuhas (Richard) of Girard, PA; his beloved grandchildren Cheyenne Fogle, Alex and Ethan Whitford and Jack and Sam Yuhas; sisters Sue Goellner (Ed) and Phyllis Levosky (Glenn) both of Erie, PA; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

No calling hours will be observed. A celebration of Jim's life will be held in the near future. Donations can be made to New Hope Presbyterian Church, 5440 Washington Avenue, Erie, PA 16509 or to a charity of one's choice.

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Recent Activity

February 25, 2025

Wanda posted to the memorial.

February 25, 2025

skip brady posted to the memorial.

February 26, 2024

Skip Brady posted to the memorial.

11 Entries

Wanda

February 25, 2025

So many memories to cherish Never would have imagined that when you dropped me off at work, it would be the last time I said goodbye.Love and miss you.

skip brady

February 25, 2025

Hey Jim,
Still thinking of you nearly every day! Many of our conversations are etched in my mind, and I look forward to sharing our joy when we are reunited with Jesus.
Your friend,
skip

Skip Brady

February 26, 2024

I will not forget my golden friend Jim! My memories of him are precious to me, and I think of him nearly every day. I love and miss you Jim!

Laurel Hutchins

March 6, 2023

So sorry for your loss. Jim was such a nice man and I loved being neighbors on Lexington Street. Thoughts and prayers!

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Peggy Carson

March 5, 2023

Dear Barb, Kerri, Steven, James and families,
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jim. I worked with Jim at the VA and he was definitely one of the GOOD guys! I had the opportunity to see him and Barb again a few years ago at a Pickleball tournament. Still the same Jim with that infectious smile.
Rest In Peace my friend.
Peggy Carson

Wanda Brady

March 4, 2023

Jim was a happy, thoughtful ,positive, adventurous guy! We have so many great memories over the years. Motorcycles (wet or dry)vacations, cards, cruise. Our lives were enriched having you as our friend.We loved and miss you, Jim

Andrea Galleur-Waldo

March 4, 2023

Aunt Barb, Kerri, Jim, and Steve, You're all in my thoughts and prayers. Uncle Jim will be sadly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. I will never forget his love and support for my father during his battle with cancer. Rest in peace Unce Jim.

Joyce Ball Carr

March 4, 2023

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Jim was always a gracious, kind man. He was a hard worker and it was a pleasure knowing him.

Elena

March 3, 2023

To Barb and family-

I met Jim about 2 years ago through pickleball and he will forever be one of my favorite partners and opponents. You were lucky to play on the same court as Jim because he was competitive and fun. EVERYONE loved Jim.

A few favorite memories: one summer day I was parking my car and Jim, at 81, pulled up and parked next to me on his motorcycle as though it was completely normal for an 81 year to be riding a motorcycle! Another day he parked his car, grabbed a portable chair out of his trunk, and walked Barb to a spot in the shade where she could be comfortable while Jim got some games in.

In December, I asked him the morning of a tournament to sub in for a player who was sick- he said yes. He already had played for 2 hours that morning, but still came back and played 4 more.

The last couple of tournaments I played in, one in Erie and one in Jamestown, Jim brought Barb and cheered us on. He was a great guy to have in your corner.

After meeting Jim through pickleball, we connected even more after finding out he worked with my mom and uncle at the VA. We are all missing Jim. May you rest in peace.

Skip Brady

March 3, 2023

Jim Whitford was a great friend and I can honestly say I would not be the person I am today without his friendship. May his soul and all the souls of the departed rest in peace.

Rosella Kwitowski

March 3, 2023

I was so sorry to hear of Jim´s death. I know he will be greatly missed by family and friends. I met him through pickle ball and he and I had our picture in the paper. Thanks Jim for fun and games.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results