James I. Whitaker

James Irvin Whitaker, 80, passed away Thursday, April 6, 2017 at his home residence. A lifelong resident of Buncombe County, Mr. Whitaker was a US Navy Veteran and retired from the VA Hospital after serving 35 years. He was the son of the late John Burton Whitaker and Lola Willis Whitaker. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Dicie Hensley Whitaker; sisters: Johnsie Crompton, Mary Hunter, Clara Edmonds, and Bertha Spivey; and brothers: Vance Whitaker, Jack Whitaker, Bob Whitaker, and Joe Whitaker. Surviving are his sisters: Lucille Woody and Sarah Fore and husband Claren, both of Asheville; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, April 10, 2017 in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home, with the Rev. Jim Page officiating. The family will receive friends following the services at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517.