Birth date: Jul 6, 1947 Death date: Jun 23, 2020
James Edward Whittaker, age 72, of Norton Shores passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids. He was born in Jackson, MI to Ralph and Catherine Whittaker. He met his wife, Dee (Zarimba), at Western Read Obituary
I worked with Jim in a calling in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and found Jim a dedicated church member and friend. I will miss him.
I remember as a 12 year old the day Jim was introduce to our Deacons Quorum at as a new member of our Church and a new assistant scout leader. Little did we know how much of an influence he would have on all of our lives. We were a pretty wild bunch and more than once I had to wonder if we would ever see poor Jim again. He never gave up on us and was always a great example of love, endurance, and humility to each of us.
I will always remember fantastic trips to New Mexico, river canoeing, Klondike derby, and basketball games. I wish I did a better job of letting him know how much he meant to our family and that his efforts continue on in my own Eagle Scouts.
When I met with my own Eagle Scout review board I was asked who beyond my own family has had the most influence in my life. Jim was a little taken aback when I stated that that it was an easy answer as Jim had helped me over many years develop and reach many goals. He had been with me from the beginning of Scouts to congratulating me at my wedding reception.
It is true that he always gave up his personal vacation time to spend time with us with the loving support of his sweet wife. He changed the standard of how I view young men leadership and he will be terribly missed. Thank You Dee for giving so freely of this amazing mans time and abilities.
Peter and I, along with our family, will never forget Jim's wonderful love and support he showed to our family when we were living in Connecticut. Especially in those first years.
I remember the year we had all kids home for Christmas and Jim was Santa Claus. One of my favorite memories. Many Many Eagles made during his Scout Master time. Rodgerson family.
Jim was a great man and scout master, he took most if not all of his vacation time to take the scouts on their camping trips and weeks long adventures. Jim had patience with us rowdy boys and at times he would set us straight in no uncertain Marine style terms, He will be greatly missed and we will tell story's of him for years to come.
