James Wesley Whittle

Obituary of James Wesley Whittle

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In loving memory of James (Jim) Wesley Whittle, who passed away on August 24, 2025, at the age of 86 surrounded by his family and loving dog Bear. Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jo Ann, to whom he was married for 53 years. Together, they shared four children, Stacy Russell (Dan), Ron Whittle (Traci), Kaylon Northington (John), and Darin Whittle (Sandra). Jim and Jo Ann were blessed with 10 grandchildren, Darrell, Dustin, James, Sarah, Marissa, Makena, Bailey, Nathan, Madison, and Andrew. Jim later became "GGPa" to seven Great-Grandchildren.

Jim was born on April 4, 1939, in Glasgow, Montana. His family relocated to the Bay Area when Jim was a child. Jim graduated in 1957 from Richmond Union High School, and then attended Contra Costa Community College where he competed on the men's gymnastics team, excelling in the pommel horse. Jim was very proud to have served in the United States Army and then the Army National Guard. Following his service, he began a nearly 40-year career as a Butcher. When he and Jo Ann relocated to Scotts Valley in 1974, he managed the Meat Department at MacDonald's Quality Foods, which later became Nob Hill. Jim also leased the Meat Department at Ben Lomond Super during the time the store was operating in a tent following the Loma Prieta earthquake and during their remodel.

Jim was the quiet presence in his family, often enjoying just sitting back and watching Jo Ann host the perfect family gathering. He was never quiet, however, about how much he loved you-he made sure you knew it. Jim had many loves besides his family-a fish on the line, a perfectly-arranged deer camp, a strike in the tenth frame, a flea market, a good bottle of wine, a great piece of pie with coffee, and a meticulously hosed off driveway. His love of fishing included his annual "Lazy BassTurds" fishing trip on a houseboat with life-long friends and family, which he painstakingly planned and orchestrated for over 40 years.

Jim was also preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Irene Whittle, and his brother, Bob Whittle. Along with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Jim is survived by his brother, Leroy (Sidna) Whittle, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held for Jim at Oakwood Memorial Park, 3301 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz, 95065 on September 4, 2025, at 2:00pm, followed by a small reception.

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