James C. Whisenhunt
Greenville Herald Banner
Saturday, Feb 17, 2007
James C. “J.C.” Whisenhunt of Greenville passed away Feb. 14, 2007, at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas after an extended illness of congestive heart failure at the age of 80. Graveside services are at 2 p.m. Sunday at Tidwell Cemetery with Rev. Royce Litchfield officiating. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Peters Funeral Home.
He was born on June 4, 1926, north of Bonham in Ivanhoe. J.C. was the son of W.H. “Buck” and Ionly Bethel Whisenhunt. He married Jimmie Joyce Lamm on Oct. 17, 1953.
A veteran of World War II, J.C. had followed in the footsteps of his brothers, Jack and Joe Whisenhunt, by joining the Army in 1946. Jack survived the war, but Joe lost his life in Italy only days before his 21st birthday. J.C. occupied Japan from 1946 to 1948 and was a marksman with an M-1 rifle.
He went to work at Temco in 1951 where his career spanned 37 years, retiring from E-Systems in 1988. J.C. was a member of the Tidwell Baptist Church and the United Aircraft Workers.
Survivors are his wife, Jimmie, his son, Rick Whisenhunt, and his step-son Ronnie Deas, all of Greenville; a sister, Lottie Peek of Denison; grandsons Jeff Deas and wife Holly of Greenville and Bryan Deas and wife Megan of Austin; a granddaughter, Holly Deas of Austin; a great-grandson, Jacob Deas of Austin; and numerous nieces and nephews from New York to Seattle.
J.C. was preceded in death by a sister, Edith Whisenhunt; brothers Joe and Jack Whisenhunt; a step-son, Robert Deas, and sister Clella Tate.
J.C. was a devoted husband, a loving father, a loyal friend, and a dedicated worker. He had a special gift with animals and a kindness for people. He loved reading westerns and the Bible.
J.C. was a representative of everything that is right in this world and it is a better place as a result of his life in it. He will be greatly missed and his memory will be cherished always.
Ray Miller, Jimmy Hamilton, Glenn Colbert, Joel Webb, Jeff Deas, and Jerry Morrison will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Derek Preas and James Forbes.
Submitted by Elaine Nall Bay
