James Robert Whicker Jr.

James R. Whicker was born August 3, 1958 in Sumter, South Carolina. On January 22, 2026, at 11:00 in the morning James R. Whicker was called home and escorted by angels into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Upon entering into eternal peace, James leaves behind his son Zachary Whicker and partner Moriah Rayo, son David Whicker, sister Sherri Diett, beloved granddaughter Emma Whicker, along with his extended family, Brian Kaminsky, Brendan Crawley, Jacob Podolsky, Ken Biller and wife Jennifer.

James was an Air Force Veteran with 20 years of active duty. While serving his country he achieved the rank of Technical Sergeant and was awarded the Logistics Plans badge and the Medical Corps badge. He also earned the Air Force training ribbon, small arms expert marksmanship ribbon, NCO professional military education graduate ribbon, Air Force longevity service ribbon (four awards), Overseas long tour ribbon (two awards), Overseas short tour ribbon, National Defense ribbon, Air Force Good Conduct ribbon (four awards), Outstanding Unit award ribbon, and the Air Force achievement ribbon (two awards).

Mr. Whicker worked tirelessly at the VA for 20 years and was actively employed as a Peer Support Specialist till the time he entered hospice care. In his work he impacted countless Veteran's, their families and co-workers.

James or J2 as he was fondly known by everyone, served the Lord in everything that he did. He took the time to know people and to hear their sacred stories. J2 was fully invested in the lives of others coming alongside of them and at times saving their lives all the while pointing them toward their Creator. J2 will be greatly missed by his immediate family, his coworkers, his extended family, and his faith community, which was wide and diverse.

Special thanks to the Pittsburgh VA, HJ Heinz campus Hospice doctors and nurses, nurses' aides, case managers, social workers, and housekeeping staff. The care that he received was professional, understanding, kind and compassionate. Thank you for your service to Veterans.

Funeral services will be held on February 2, 2026, at the Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home under the direction of Sarah C. Balistreri; located at 930 Center Avenue Blawnox, PA 15238 with the viewing beginning at 10:30 and funeral services beginning at 12:30. Interment will be at 2 p.m. at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies with full military honors. Pastor Ken Biller is officiating the services.