James Robert (Jim) Whitten, Patoka, Indiana 

Born October 11, 1936 in Princeton, Indiana to James Commadore and Authelia (Slinker) Whitten and passed from this life at 10:55 am on June 22, 2014 at the VNA Charlier Hospice Center in Evansville, Indiana. 

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Dorothy Mae Newton and June Stocker; two half –brothers, Wayne and Porter; one brother-in-law; one sister-in-law and pet cat Spike. 

He is survived by his wife of 22 1/2 years Peggy (Hoover), two sons, Daniel (Jenny) of Princeton and James, AKA "Roar" of Owensville; step-daughter Stephanie Nowaskie (Chris Gehlhausen) of Velpen; 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; brother Martin (Dorothy) of Jeffersonville; three brothers-in-law and four sisters-in-law; several nieces and nephews; special cousin Linda Ellis of Mt. Vernon, Washington; long-time special friend Pat Chamberlain of Patoka and his beloved cat Tiger. 

Jim graduated from Princeton High School in 1955 and held the record in Hurdles for 10 years in the 1950’s. 

Jim belonged to and was Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 
Jim served four years in the US Navy, serving aboard the USS Bennington, spent 12 years in the Indiana National Guard, served as Director of Gibson County Civil Defense; 17 years in police work including serving as a Gibson County Reserve Deputy, Deputy Town Marshall of Haubstadt, Indiana and Town Marshall of Patoka, Indiana.

Jim was a charter member of the Hell’s Henchmen motorcycle club, held memberships in the Vietnam Vets Inc., Princeton Road-Earles, Patoka Lions Club, The Golden Eagles Gun Club, The Princeton Rifle & Pistol Club, and was a life member of the Ft. Branch VFW. 

Jim retired from Hurst Manufacturing (Emerson) in 2001 after 20 years. Upon retirement he returned to his love of drawing and found he had a talent for oil painting, showing his pieces from time to time and giving them to family and friends. 

Jim enjoyed motorcycles, riding for more than 50 years, oil painting and his faithful companion Tiger. 

The family would like to extend their thanks to the doctors and staff of the Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes; Deaconess Gateway Heart Hospital in Evansville, VA Clinics and Health Care Teams in Evansville and Vincennes, and the DaVita Dialysis Centers in Vincennes and Princeton for the care they provided to Jim the last 13 years through his continuing illnesses. A special thank you to Dr. Flamion and staff at the VNA Charlier Hospice Center in Evansville for the excellent, compassionate care they provided to Jim and his family during a most difficult time. 

As per Jim's wishes, he will be cremated. A memorial graveside service will be held at 10 AM on Friday, June 27, 2014 at the Mt. Olive Cemetery in Mt. Olympus, Indiana, officiated by Carl "Butch" Kelley, Col. US Army retired James Wright and Naithan McKinney.

Celebration of Life will take place immediately following in the community center of the Presbyterian Church located on Grave Street in Patoka, Indiana. Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton has been entrusted with the arrangements. Military graveside service will be conducted by Retired Military Veterans.