James Whitaker

James Mason Whitaker, age 68, of Ithaca, Michigan, passed away Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at Mid-Michigan Medical Center, Alma, Michigan.

A Memorial Service will be held Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, Michigan, at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, with Pastor David Perry officiating.  Burial will take place at Hamilton Township Cemetery at a later date.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.

James was born in Alma, Michigan on February 10, 1953, the son of Raymond E. and Wanda J. (Becker) Whitaker.  He graduated from Ithaca High School with the class of 1971.  James farmed and drove truck for Monroe Trucking in Ithaca, Michigan.  Jim and his brother Frank owned and operated Whitaker Transport Company for number of years.  He retired from Great Lakes Petroleum.  Jim also enjoyed drag racing and bowling. He was a big fan of ALF the TV program.

He is survived by his mother, Wanda Whitaker; 3 brothers: Edwin and Bonnie Whitaker; Randy and Kathleen Whitaker; and Jeff Whitaker and many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his father Raymond, his brother, Frank Whitaker and his nephew, Deryck Whitaker.

Memorials may be made to Edgewood Church of God, 160 South Berry Road, Ithaca, Michigan 48847 or Gratiot County Commission on Aging, 515 South Pine Street, Ithaca, Michigan 48847.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.