James "Jim" E. Whittaker's Obituary
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 Michigan University when they were assigned to work together on a class project. They continued working together on many projects for over 51 years of Marriage. Jim will be remembered by many as a hardworking, easy going, loving, and caring individual who gave generously of his time, talents, and assets. He served as a BSA Scout Master for 12 years and loved camping out each month with his scouts, taking several back packing trips in the Rocky Mountains at Philmont Scout Ranch, canoeing the Everglades, sailing in the Caribbean and rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. He hiked much of the Appalachian Trail and climbed Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. He was a PADI Certified Scuba Diving Instructor and loved sky diving. He was able to travel to many parts of the world as a chemical salesman for Thor Specialties, Inc. and loved to explore new countries and meet people of different cultures. He served in the United States Marine Corp including time in Vietnam during the War. He valued his membership in his faith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served in many leadership callings. Jim is survived by his wife, Dee; brother, John and his wife Jung of Lawrenceville, GA; his sister-in-law, Sherry (deceased brother David’s wife) of Jackson, MI; siblings-in-law, Arlene and Paul Garton of Muskegon, Frank and Marilyn Zarimba of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by his nieces, Dawn Zarimba of Atlanta, Staci Rei (Tim) of Ipswich, MA and Gina Garton-Sciba (Matt) of Muskegon, MI and nephews, Paul Garton (Jasmine) of Mountain Home, ID and Michael Whittaker (Gabby) of Jackson, MI; great-nieces and nephews, Gillian, Zachary, Joey, Ellery, Alex, Tyler, Maddison, Aidin, Luna, Christian, Brooklyn, Mackenzie and Cayleigh. Services for Jim will take place at a future date when health restrictions lift. Entombment will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Muskegon, MI. For a more lasting memory, donations in Jim’s name can be made to either Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation (235 Wealthy St. S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49503) or Faith Hospice (210 Raybrook St. S.E. – Suite 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49546). Arrangements entrusted to The Lee Chapel of The Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444.
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