James C. Whitaker

James Charles Whitaker, 83, of Doniphan died Saturday, November 26, 2016 surrounded by his family at Tiffany Square. Services will be Friday, December 2, 2016 at 10:30 am at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island with Chaplain Tim Wegenast officiating. Interment will be in Westlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be Thursday, December 1, 2016 from 5:00 7:00 pm at Apfel Funeral Home.

Mr. Whitaker was born February 12, 1933, in Hastings, Nebraska, the son of Lewis and Bernadine (VanSant) Whitaker. He grew up in Doniphan and graduated from Doniphan High School in 1950. Jim was united in marriage to Linda L Keeler on October 11, 1959 at St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Grand Island. The couple made their home in Doniphan, moving to the family farm in 1978. Jim worked for Mays Electric, at the Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plan as a firefighter, at McCains Foods and as a farmer throughout his career. Jim was a member of the Doniphan United Methodist Church. Jim enjoyed fishing, dogs and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jim is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, Greg Whitaker of Doniphan and Jeff and Lisa Whitaker of Grand Island, one daughter and son-in-law, Anita and Mark Feeley of Nederland, Colorado, four grandchildren, Saundra Simmons, Noelle Whitaker, Megan Feeley and Sara Feeley, two great-grandchildren, Amarah and Preston Carr, one sister, Mary Gloe of Wood River, and one sister-in-law, Susan Whitaker of Doniphan. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Linda and a brother, Dick Whitaker of Doniphan.

Memorials are suggested to the Doniphan United Methodist Church or to the Doniphan Fire Department.