James Edward Whitlock

James Edward Whitlock was born October 5, 1931 to Drury and Rubella Ware-Whitlock in Henderson Kentucky. James attended Henderson County Training School. In 1965, James married Janice Pauline Kivel and together they had three children: David M. Whitlock, Terri L. Whitlock-White and DeWayne E. Whitlock. James also had a daughter from a previous marriage, Nadine Whitlock. Family was his life. James has eight grandchildren: Jasmine Whitlock, Triston Whitlock, Jamia Williams, Tierney Whitlock, Ciara Whitlock, Christopher White, Rian Whitlock and Ava Whitlock and three great-grandchildren: Kaedon Wimsatt, Amaya Huebner and Israel Benefield-Whitlock. James was preceded in death by his parents, Drury and Rubella Whitlock, brothers Jesse, Charles, Ira and sisters: Clemie Whitlock, Cora Anguish and Rebecca Sutton. His wife of 46 years, Janice P. and son, DeWayne Whitlock. James professed his belief in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at an early age. He was a member of Nazarene Baptist Church where he was a member of the choir. He joined Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of J.M. Caldwell and later, Dr. Rev. R.V. Terry Jr. At Zion, James was an ordained deacon, a member of the Usher Board, served on the Layman’s Board, worked as a kitchen staff and food pantry volunteer, drove the church bus and he loved singing with the Mighty Men of Zion Male Chorus. Everyone knew that James always had at least two jobs at one time! His first job was being a sharecropper in the 1940’s taking care of tobacco in Henderson KY. He worked at Russell Wilson Coal. In 1952, he was drafted into the Army where he served in Korea and Japan. He was also employed with Scott Saw Mill where his fingers were injured. James worked for Brucyrus-Erie, General Food Inc., he was an EVSC school bus driver. Throughout the listed positions, he drove a charter bus for I-V Coach where he was able to travel all over the MidWest and the East Coast. James never met a stranger. His friendly and outgoing personality was magnetic. He loved to plant flowers and work in his yard, but the highlight of his day was taking his dog Rhett for rides in his truck. He was a member of the Shriners, Cawthar Chapter 118 and a lifetime member of the American Legion. James was a very soft-spoken man. His children, grandchildren, and wife of over 40 years highly regarded him as the matriarch of the family. James is respected by family, friends and co-workers. He leaves to cherish his memory, his sister Anna Tyler, children Nadine, David and Terri, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, a host of cousins and loved ones. Whitlock, as our my called him, will be greatly missed.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions a private service will be held Monday. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park. Osborne has been entrusted with final care.