Jim I. Whittaker

Jim I. Whittaker, 90, of Waco, passed away Monday, June 22, 2009, at a local nursing center. Services will be 10 a.m. Friday, June 26, at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Harley Gordon officiating. Burial will follow at Mexia City Cemetery. Jim was born May 28, 1919, to Arthur and Bell Whittaker. Jim was a hard worker, first working from farm to farm. He married Arretha Jaggers, Nov. 13, 1936 in Hubbard. After serving with the U.S. Navy, he attended welding school in Mexia. Following school, he worked at the textile mill in Mexia for several years. Later, he worked for General Tire for 30 years, until his retirement in 1980. He then worked at several Post Offices in his retirement. Jim's first love was the Lord Jesus Christ. He loved working at his church, Beacon Hill Baptist, anytime he was needed. He loved reading his Bible and singing from church hymnals. His kitchen table was stacked with Bibles, song books and a tape recorder to preach to. It's a true blessing to listen to one of these recordings. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as he loved his own children. Throughout the eight long years since his stroke, Jim still had a smile on his face and would kiss ladies' hands as a way to say "Thank you." He was preceded in death by his wife, Arretta Whittaker; son, Donald Whittaker; two infant sons, Jimmy and Johnny Whittaker; a daughter, Mary Evelyn Whittaker; and nine brothers and sisters. Survivors include daughter, Dorothy Cook and husband, William "Pepsi," of China Spring; grandsons, Lance Cook of Austin, David Cook and wife, Emily, of Chandler, and Aaron Cook and wife, Kristen, of Waco; great-grandchildren, Macie, Caleb and Luke Cook, all of Chandler, and Harris and Charles Cook of Waco; very special friend, Evelyn Raphe and her daughter, Shannon; and numerous nieces and nephews. Honorary Pallbearers will be Lane Cook, David Cook, Aaron Cook, Sandy Chavarria, Emily Cook, Kristen Cook and Kelly Cook. In Lieu of Flowers, please make contributions to Beacon Hill Baptist Church. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Guest Book at www.LakeShoreFuneralHome.com. May 28, 1919 - June 22, 2009 Sign the Guest Book at www.wacotrib.com