James “Jim” F. Whitney, Jr. age 71 passed away peacefully at his home in Hendersonville, TN on March 6, 2019.
Jim is preceded in death by his mother Mary Jane Ragsdale Whitney of Nashville, TN; father James F. Whitney, Sr. of Omaha, NE; sister Joy Whitney Walker of Nashville TN; and long-time girlfriend Elizabeth “BJ” Dodge originally from Onieda, NY.
Jim is survived by his children Kristi Gumm (Steve) of Hendersonville, TN, Kevin Whitney (Christy) of Foley, AL and Jeff Whitney of Gallatin TN and his five loving grandchildren Gracie and Ashlyn Gumm and Keasten, Kylen and Kason Whitney. He is also survived by his brothers Roger Whitney of Silver Springs, FL and Jack Waggener (Janelle) of Brentwood, TN. He enjoyed the company of many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
Jim was born in Omaha, NE on September 8, 1947. He graduated from Stratford High School in 1965 in the first graduating class that attended all four years at this new school. He was an accomplished athlete, most noted for his speed on the track team. He also played baseball, softball and golf. He could often be found on his favorite golf course in Shelby Park near his home. He was an avid Yankees and University of Tennessee fan. He became an avid Titans fan when the team moved to Nashville.
Jim and his family resided in the Inglewood area of east Nashville for many years but relocated to Hendersonville, TN over 20 years ago. He enjoyed his home and in-ground pool by hosting many family and friends and by teaching his granddaughters how to swim. His faithful companion, Wyatt – a German Shepherd – was always at his side.
Jim worked for Cigna for 35 years from 1968 – 2003. His first job there was in claims processing, and he eventually became the Director of Facilities Management. He enjoyed 16 years of retirement and spent a lot of that time at his favorite hangout, the Elks Lodge, in nearby Madison, TN, enjoying a round of pool and visiting with friends.
An informal gathering for family and friends will be held at Austin & Bell Hendersonville on Friday, April 19 from 2-4pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Elks Lodge, 308 Williams Ave, Madison, TN 37115.
The family has entrusted services to Austin & Bell Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 104 Sanders Ferry Road, Hendersonville, TN. 615-822-4442.