James A. Whitaker

James A. Whitaker, age 86, of Pottsville, PA, passed away suddenly, on April 11, 2025, at his residence.

Born in Pottsville, on July 14, 1938, Jimmy was the son of the late Matthew F. and Grace (Fidler) Whitaker.

Jimmy was a graduate of Pottsville High School, Class of 1957, where he earned numerous varsity letters in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He was a proud member of the Pottsville Area High School All Sports Hall of Fame, a three generation honor he shared with his father Matt, as well as his son, Jamey. Jimmy later attended Perkiomen Preparatory School, where he continued to thrive as a student-athlete, and was recognized as "the greatest halfback to ever wear a Perkiomen uniform", as stated in the 1958 Griffin Yearbook. He wasn't just a dominant force on the field, he was a symbol of determination and always inspired others to push harder, run faster, and dream bigger. Jimmy finished his academic career at the University of Miami, and later returned home to Schuylkill County, to raise his family.

Jimmy was the owner and operator of various successful businesses throughout the years, including Apple Cab Company; Cold Drink Vending; Matson, Incorporated; Pick-a- Pack Beverage; Nugget Coal Company; and presently A.C. Boardwalk Convenience Store.

A devoted fan of life's many joys, Jimmy was known for his passion for sports. He loved playing golf, boxing at the YMCA, running sprints during the dog days of summer, and playing softball for A-PACK-A, in the local men's summer league, often vying for the annual championship against their biggest rival, Club 18. He also appreciated sunny days at the beach, and the thrill of a good casino game of Craps. To know Jimmy, was to know someone who valued time with friends and family. He always enjoyed a good story, and could often be found at Palermo's Italian Restaurant sipping coffee with pals, Joe DiMaria and Dick Yuengling, reminiscing about their lively days with friends, General George Joulwan, Bobby Waters, Jack Fiorillo, Dickie Matthews, Bob Chivinski, the O' Reilly brothers, and many others. Jimmy always lived life with a sense of adventure and fun.

Jimmy will be greatly missed by his Life Partner of 57 years, Diane Luscavage, his loving family and many friends. Surviving are his children: Jamey Whitaker and his wife Mary Jo (Hauptly); Queensbury NY, Christine Whitaker, Scott Luscavage and his wife Heather (Maroukis); siblings, Mike and Missy Whitaker, and his stepmother, Babs Whitaker, all of Pottsville, PA, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins, who will carry his memory and legacy with love and pride.

Jimmy adored his family most of all, especially his ten grandchildren; Schuyler, Joey, and Matthew Whitaker; Kyle, Jared, James, and Alexis Luscavage, Brock Maroukis; and Jason and Matthew Mennig, along with his eight great grandchildren; Bodie, Georgiana and Elowyn Whitaker; Hudson, Remi, and Niko Luscavage, and Joey and Adley Mennig.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, his two sisters, Nancy (Whitaker) Lazarchick and Peggy (Whitaker) Perron, his wife, Margaret (Hummel) Whitaker, his niece, Jane Lazarchick, his foster brother, Irv Klinger, and his great nephew Isaac Perron.

A celebration of life, for family and friends, will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, at Lord Ebling Haus Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1818 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville, PA

17901, where stories will be shared, tears and laughter will echo, and the spirit of Jimmy will live on in every memory. Private interment will take place at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven, PA, immediately following the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.