- Born on: March 11, 1948
- Departed on: July 30, 2025
- Resided in: Marion, IA
James Roy Whittaker
James Roy Whittaker was born March 11, 1948, in Minneapolis Minnesota joining his parents, John LeRoy Whittaker and Katharine Lorena (Zimmerman) Whittaker, along with an older sister, Judy. After graduating high school in 1966, Jim attended United Electronics Institute in Des Moines, Iowa, studying Electronics Engineering for two years. Following school, Jim moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to begin a career at Rockwell Collins. This initial job was short lived as Jim was drafted by the Army in 1969 and sent far from home to Vietnam. After fulfilling his commitment to the Army, Jim relocated to Marion Iowa and soon returned to Rockwell Collins, where he worked until retirement. He spent most of his adult life in the Marion home he purchased in 1978.
Jim's personal faith was an important part of his life. Jim regularly attended Faith Bible Church in Robins, where he served on the sound system operations team. He was also instrumental in setting up a new system when the church relocated to a larger facility in Cedar Rapids.
His personal interests and hobbies covered a wide range of traveling and outdoor activities, and always with a still or video camera in hand. Some favorites were bicycling, camping, fishing, sailing, ice boating in the winter, water skiing with friends or driving a boat as a member of the Five Seasons Ski Team. In addition, at a slower pace, were astronomy, being a licensed Ham Radio operator, and building and flying radio-controlled models. Jim spent years as a volunteer at the Marion Food Bank performing various duties, eventually working his way up to managing the facility. Even with a full-time schedule, Jim was always available to help his neighbors and friends when called on, especially if it required the use of a chain saw or loaning of a special tool or piece of equipment he always seemed to produce when needed.
Jim was preceded in death by his mother and father, Stepdad, George Wallis, and a Brother-in-Law.
Jim passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, following a two year battle after a debilitating stroke.
There is a vacancy in the lives of those who were close to Jim. Always a phone call away, he will be deeply missed by his sister, friends, and personally claimed to be “adopted" family of Mary Hanson. Mary was a long-time close friend, with Jim becoming somewhat of a father figure to her growing sons and later their extended families. He spent much time out at The Ranch helping with projects, celebrating holidays and building memories with them.
No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Marion Food Bank, 864 12th St., Marion, IA 52302
Jim's personal faith was an important part of his life. Jim regularly attended Faith Bible Church in Robins, where he served on the sound system operations team. He was also instrumental in setting up a new system when the church relocated to a larger facility in Cedar Rapids.
His personal interests and hobbies covered a wide range of traveling and outdoor activities, and always with a still or video camera in hand. Some favorites were bicycling, camping, fishing, sailing, ice boating in the winter, water skiing with friends or driving a boat as a member of the Five Seasons Ski Team. In addition, at a slower pace, were astronomy, being a licensed Ham Radio operator, and building and flying radio-controlled models. Jim spent years as a volunteer at the Marion Food Bank performing various duties, eventually working his way up to managing the facility. Even with a full-time schedule, Jim was always available to help his neighbors and friends when called on, especially if it required the use of a chain saw or loaning of a special tool or piece of equipment he always seemed to produce when needed.
Jim was preceded in death by his mother and father, Stepdad, George Wallis, and a Brother-in-Law.
Jim passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, following a two year battle after a debilitating stroke.
There is a vacancy in the lives of those who were close to Jim. Always a phone call away, he will be deeply missed by his sister, friends, and personally claimed to be “adopted" family of Mary Hanson. Mary was a long-time close friend, with Jim becoming somewhat of a father figure to her growing sons and later their extended families. He spent much time out at The Ranch helping with projects, celebrating holidays and building memories with them.
No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Marion Food Bank, 864 12th St., Marion, IA 52302
