James Holyer "Jim" Whitright

March 2, 1929 - March 11, 2016

James H. “Jim” Whitright, age 87, of Marion, IL, passed peacefully with his family by his side, at 5:37 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2016, in The Medical Center of Bowling Green, KY. He was born March 2, 1929, in Cape Girardeau, MO, the son of John Henry and Mabel Dean (Baker) Whitright. Jim answered the call of the nation by serving in the United States Army Air Corps shortly after WW II and during the Korean War. After his period of faithful service he was honorably discharged. He was united in marriage to Jane M. Garner on Saturday, May 8, 1954, in Metropolis, IL and together they have shared nearly 62 years of marriage. His working career was with Southern Illinois Power Cooperative of the Lake of Egypt for many years and had achieved the position of plant manager at the time of his retirement. He is survived by his wife, Jane M. Whitright of Marion; five children, Mary Helen Rheinecker and husband Steve, Jane M. Hinze and husband Paul, Carol Dean Cox and husband Bob, James H. Whitright, Jr. and wife Rhonda and John Lewis Whitright and wife Anna, eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren, two brothers, other extended family and many friends. His parents; sister, Edna Emory and two brothers, Jack and Gene preceded him in death. Arrangements for James H. “Jim” Whitright were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion, IL. In accordance with his wishes, his body was donated to the Southern Illinois School of Medicine of Carbondale, IL for research. There were not be any local services. The family requested for those who prefer, memorial contributions be made to charity of the donor’s choice. For additional information please contact the funeral home by calling 618-993-2131.