James "Jim" Whitney

A much-loved good man has left us. James “Jim” Whitney lost his battle with cancer on Friday morning, March 27, 2026. May he now rest in peace.

Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. He met the love of his life, Sharon Brainerd, while attending the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. The two were united in marriage on August 11, 1962, in Bruce, Wisconsin. The following year, Jim graduated with his degree from UW–Eau Claire.

Jim dedicated more than 30 years of his career to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, working in the Division of Information Technology.

He was an avid reader, rarely missed a crossword puzzle, a dedicated bridge player, and an enthusiastic bicyclist and photographer. Jim also gave his time as an assistant scoutmaster for Troop 628. He had a deep love for travel, exploring places from the Boundary Waters to his favorite destination, Venice, Italy.

Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sharon (Brainerd) Whitney; his sons, Andy (Terri), Mike (Michael); granddaughters, Christa Pelton (Micah) and Amanda Whitney; and great-grandchildren, Gideon and Hazel Pelton. He is also survived by his sisters Susan Buntrock and Mary Kay Larson. Jim was preceded in death by his mother Sylvia (Love) Whitney, second mother, Rosalie (Faricy) Whitney, his father, Harvey Whitney and his brother John Whitney.

In Jim’s memory, memorials may be made to Agrace Hospice, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711 or the Madison Public Library.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Tim R. from Agrace Hospice and Karla, for their extraordinary care given to Jim.