JAMES WHITAKER

James Richard Whitaker was born on May 10, 1967 in Omaha, Nebraska to Richard and Peggy Whitaker. He grew up in Omaha where he attended Cather Elementary School, Millard North Junior High School and graduated from Creighton Prep High School in 1985. Jim received an Associate Degree from Metro Tech. He was an exceptional athlete who excelled in multiple sports. Jim learned to hunt and fish at an early age and continued to engoy them all during his life.

Jim married Shelly Johnson on July 20, 1996 and they were blessed with four children: Tanner, Brinlee, Brayden and Breena. Jim and Shelly have made their home in Omaha.

Jim worked construction for his uncle in Texas and in the concrete business for his uncle in Omaha. He worked in sales at US West before entering the IT industry, first with Gallup then then with Northern Natural Gas. Jim enjoyed fast pitch softball, coed volleyball and soccer. He spent a great deal of his time coaching his children in their various sports. Jim was an active member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Elkhorn. He was upbeat and often the life of the party. Jim is remembered as loving, caring, strong and Faithful.

Jim passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2021 at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, NE at the age of 53 years. He is survived by his wife Shelly; children: Christofer Whitaker of Longmont, CO, Tanner Whitaker of Lincoln, Brinlee of Omaha, Brayden of Omaha and Breena of Omaha; Parents Dick and Pegggy Whitaker; and siblings: Mike and Michele Whitaker of Omaha, De and Tim Richards of Tigard, OR and Rober Whitaker of San Joes, CA.