Obituary of James William Whitlock

James was born August 25th, 1941 in Big Bay, Illinois to William M. Whitlock and Myrtle Fern Whitlock(Burns). He was the oldest of 10 children and took pride in being an older brother. His family lived on a farm and he spent many of his days playing in the field with his brother Murray, and riding horses. He came from a family of incredibly hard workers and he carried that quality with him throughout hisife.   James met the love of his life Jennylue(Jan) Jeanette Scarbrough in 1959 and after courting her for some time they were Married in Nappanee, Indiana August, 21st 1962.   James joined the Air Force January 9th, 1961 and together they started their life at the Glasgow Air Force Base in Montana.  James loved serving his country in the 87th TFW and 410 SAC. His career in the military led him all around the globe including Fairchild AFB, in Washington where daughter Sharon Kay was born. Grissom AFB,  Indiana where they welcomed their son James William Jr. Beale AFB in California where daughter Sandra Jean was born. They were also stationed at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa.   James retired from the Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant at K I Sawyer AFB September 12th 1983. One of his proudest military accomplishments was working on the SR-71 Project. James had a special interest in aviation and later took a job working for Bombardier Aerospace in Zweibrücken Germany for 7 years. He was transferred to Bridgeport, West Virginia where he continued his work in aviation until he retired in 1998.   After retirement he decided to buy a travel trailer and Jim and Jan traveled the United States meeting new people, and working part time as Campground Hosts. In 2003 they decided it was time to settle down near their roots and they moved to Metropolis Illinois.  He took a job driving for the Union Pacific Railroad to help pass his time. Eventually they grew tired of the cold winter months and moved to McAllen Texas to live in a retirement community near his brother Murray.   James was a loyal and devoted man to his wife, and family. His Children, grand children, and great grand children brought so much happiness to his life. He loved to spend his days watching grandson Codi play basketball, and you could regularly find him sporting his Proud Grandparent of a William Woods Owl shirt. He made regular visits to Wyoming, Missouri, and Illinois to spend time with his family. He shared with us his love of sports, music, the outdoors and traveling.   James is Survived by his wife Jennylue of Texas. Children: Sharon (Brian) of New Mexico; Jim Jr. (Tina) of Missouri; Sandra of Texas.  Grand Children: Nicole Thullen; Kaylynne(Cody) Sims; Matthew, Kaydee, Codi and Chelsea Whitlock. Great Grand Children: Ashley Lynn, Sean and Landon Shiffermiller; Gage, Wyatt, Cody and Evelynne Sims; and Zaiden Whitlock. Siblings: Murray Whitlock of Texas; Betty Holmes of Indiana; Tina(Charles) Johnson of Indiana; and many cousins, nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews, and friends.   James is preceded in death by Parents: William M. Whitlock and Myrtle Fern Whitlock(Burns) Siblings: Lowell, Shirley, Larry, Brenda, Bonnie, and Dennis and Great Grandson: Devon. A Celebration of Life will be held privately with the family at a later date. Flowers, donations, and condolences may be offered at 2901 W. State HWY 107, McAllen TX 78504.