IN LOVING MEMORY OF
James E.
Whitelaw
November 30, 2016
Obituary
ELKHART — James E. Whitelaw, 92, of Elkhart, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 30.
He was born Aug. 10, 1924, in Huntington, Tenn., to the late Gladys Whitelaw and Parker Pickett.
James served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was featured in 1997 in an article in the Elkhart Truth about his memories overseas, which included his reflections of the horror of liberating Nazi concentration camps.
When James returned home from the Army, he married his first wife, Mamielle on July 20, 1946.
The surviving children are Richard Jackson, Quentin Whitelaw, Yvonne Webb, and Jan Vandever; along with more than 13 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
He later married Susie in 1986, and adopted her children Arnez Whitelaw, Wanda Whitelaw, Melissa Whitelaw, and later adopted Susie's grandson Arnez Jr.
James was preceded in death by sons Jerome and Stacey Whitelaw, sister Helen Sutton and wife Susie.
Friends may call one hour prior to the noon Saturday, Dec. 10, service at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Elkhart. The Rev. Danny Brown will officiate and military honors will be rendered by the U.S Army and DAV No. 19.
Burial will be Monday, Dec. 12, at Marion National Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart.
James was a past commander and a life member of the VFW and the DAV of VFW Post 9944 in Elkhart.
James retired from Excel Industries after many years of service.
He was born Aug. 10, 1924, in Huntington, Tenn., to the late Gladys Whitelaw and Parker Pickett.
James served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was featured in 1997 in an article in the Elkhart Truth about his memories overseas, which included his reflections of the horror of liberating Nazi concentration camps.
When James returned home from the Army, he married his first wife, Mamielle on July 20, 1946.
The surviving children are Richard Jackson, Quentin Whitelaw, Yvonne Webb, and Jan Vandever; along with more than 13 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
He later married Susie in 1986, and adopted her children Arnez Whitelaw, Wanda Whitelaw, Melissa Whitelaw, and later adopted Susie's grandson Arnez Jr.
James was preceded in death by sons Jerome and Stacey Whitelaw, sister Helen Sutton and wife Susie.
Friends may call one hour prior to the noon Saturday, Dec. 10, service at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Elkhart. The Rev. Danny Brown will officiate and military honors will be rendered by the U.S Army and DAV No. 19.
Burial will be Monday, Dec. 12, at Marion National Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart.
James was a past commander and a life member of the VFW and the DAV of VFW Post 9944 in Elkhart.
James retired from Excel Industries after many years of service.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James E. Whitelaw, please visit our flower store.
Services
Visitation
December
10
Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Funeral Service
December
10
Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church
Starts at 12:00 pm