James Whitaker,

WATER VALLEY - James M. Whitaker, Jr. age 70, of Water Valley formerly of Cleveland , died on Thursday March 18, 2010 at the Bolivar County Medical Center. He was born on February 25, 1940 to James and Dealie (Morris) Whitaker, Sr in Mathiston, MS. Mr. Whitaker graduated from Cleveland High School. He was had worked for Hardin Farms, S & F Services, Eubanks Trucking and was co owner of J & K and Son Trucking before his recent retirement. Mr. Whitaker was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Cleveland. He was a former member of the Bolivar County Riding Club. His family says he was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and brother. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Kay Boyd Whitaker. Visitation will be held Tuesday March 23, 2010 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Cleveland Funeral Home in Cleveland. Funeral Services will be Wednesday March 24, 2010 10:00 AM at the Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at the North Cleveland Cemetery. The Rev. Elbert McKnight and Rev. Fish Robinson will officiate the service. He is survived by Daughter, Pam and husband Keith James of West Lafayette, IN. Son, James "Jimbo" Whitaker of Water Valley, MS. Sister, Lavearn and husband Carl Howard of Crystal Springs, MS. Sister, Patty and husband Bill Avritt of Cleveland, MS. Grandson, Matthew and wife Jessica James of Lafayette, IN. Two granddaughters, Tabbitha James of West Lafayette, IN. and, Lilly Whitaker of Water Valley, MS. Brother and sister in-laws; Charles and Nancy Boyd of Holly Springs, MS, Bill and Ann Quinton of Cleveland, Wallace and Betty Boyd, and special friends Kenneth and Barbara Sherron of Cleveland. He was also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Pall-bearers are Matthew James, Lane Quinton, Neil Quinton, Less Avritt, Clancy Howard and Jarred Mosley. Honorary pall-bearers are Steven and Charlie Boyd. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105. Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. On-line guest register may be viewed and signed at www.clevlandfuneralhome.net