James C. Whitley

JAMES C. WHITLEY USAF, Ret., Col. James C. Whitley, 87, died Jan. 5, 2006 at Indian River Memorial Hospital, Vero Beach. He was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky and lived in Vero Beach since 1984, coming from Stuart. Jim had a distinguished military career of 28 years. He served as a tail gunner in World War II and served in Vietnam. Much of his career was spent in SAC. Upon retirement he moved to his 500 acre ranch in Montana, and eventually migrated to Florida. Until recently, he was involved in his community, serving on the board of the homeowners association and provided much enjoyable music from his extensive music collection. An avid tennis player for many years, he was also an excellent bowler. He enjoyed his computer from which he created numerous posters for community events. Kind and caring, he was always the trouble shooter and problem-solver for his family & friends. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach. Survivors include his wife of 17 years Thelma K. Whitley of Vero Beach; sons Gene Whitley of Indianapolis and Skip Whitley of Hood River, OR.; daughter Sheila Whitley of Yuba City, CA., stepson Jeffrey Shays of Palm Beach Gardens; stepdaughter Kathleen Wilson of Fort Pierce; sister Marie Lee of Orland Park, IL., and four grandchildren. Services: A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. January 10 at First Presbyterian Church, Vero Beach, with Rev. Tom Harris officiating. Arrangements are by the Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Vero Beach.