James D. Whitehead, Jr. "Jim," 83, of Wellington, KS, passed away on May 9, 2021 at his daughter's home.

Jim was born on April 15, 1938 in Norfolk, VA to James D. Whitehead, Sr. "J.D." and Ethel Whitehead Brown.

In 1942 Jim and his mom moved to North Carolina and he worked in the family BBQ restaurant, family floral shop, and the family mom and pop gas station.

On April 16, 1956 Jim enlisted in the U. S. Navy.  After boot camp he took a bus to go visit his mom but while he was on the bus there was one stop left for the bus to make.  A young lady, Joyce Ball, got on the bus on her way home from work.  Jim introduced himself to her and they went to dinner that night.

On June 2, 1956 Jim and Joyce were married.  They were blessed with four children, three daughters and one son.

Jim received orders to go to Wichita, KS on an emergency replacement in 1971.  In 1972 Jim began to study the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses.  On May 20, 1974 he retired from the Navy with the rank of E8.  He was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on May 24, 1974.

Jim worked as an insurance adjuster until May 1, 2003.

Jim was and will continue to be a very beloved man.  His family and his faith were the most important things in his life.  Jim never met a stranger.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Donna Williams and Joe of Wellington, KS and son, James D. Whitehead, III "Jimmy"of Wichita, KS; grandchildren, Jamie Williams and Paul Williams of Wellington; Lisa Friend and Todd of Wichita, KS, Jennifer Love of Texas, Mark Love of Wichita, KS, Justin Corter of Belle Plaine, KS, Jeremy Corter of Dodge City, KS, James D. Whitehead, IV "Jay" of Wellington, KS, and Tiffany Flyer and Travis of Valley Center, KS; great grandchildren, Harley Williams, Stone Williams, Zachary Flyer, Kacie Flyer, Nicole Corter, Paige Corter, Katelyn Corter, James Corter, Brendin Corter, Preslie Corter, Trey Williams, Trevyn Williams and Madison Leggett; great great grandchildren, Bentley, Hayze, Cylis, Kazier, and Skylynn.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Joyce Whitehead; his parents James Whitehead, Sr. and Ethel Brown; daughters, Lynn Love and Terry, Sharon Corter and Kerry; grandson, James Robert Williams; and great granddaughter, Zena Williams.

A memorial service will be held on Zoom.  Please contact Donna or Joe Williams for the date and time and sign in for information.  John Howard will officiate.

A memorial fund has been established to help with medical and funeral costs.

Cremation has taken place.

The family would like to thank the Wellington EMS, Via Christie Hospital in Wellington, Dr. Steven Scheufler, Wellington Health and Rehab, and Rivercross Hospice.

Frank Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.