James Neil Whiteman

My dad Jim was a family man, I remember every morning watching him get ready for work. Filing his huge thermos with coffee, making his lunch on a crisp morning. The sound of his jacket and boots made as he zipped up and headed out the door. He worked hard outdoors in the beautiful mountains of Western Colorado. Working for the Bureau of Reclamation, he loved his career. He showed my brother (Russ) and I some of the most beautiful places you'd ever see. His career spanned over the decades to include, Navajo Damn, Glen Canyon, Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, Crystal & Silverjack. One of the last projects and I think, (his favorite) was Ridgway Damn.

Frances Stratton (Whiteman) was the love of his life. 64 years of marriage, 2 children, 4 grandchildren, and last count 15 great grandchildren. And his second son married me in 1980 Donald Washburn. Debbie (Oldham) Whiteman also was welcomed with open arms into our family when she and Russ were married.

I wanted a different kind of eulogy for my Dad, not just dates and numbers. That's not him. I wanted people to read this and learn what a pillar of strength he was. A force of nature when it came to making decisions about his son's health and well being. My rock when I literally couldn't function at a point in my life. My Mother's husband, love and whole world. My husband's role model on how to be a great father, My children's (Papa).

My name is Elizabeth Susan (Whiteman) Washburn. My Dad was my whole world and my hero. I don't know how we are going to live without him. Rest in Peace Dad. Hug Russ for Mom and I, it's been a great life you've given us.

All Our Love, Frances & Beth