James D. Whittaker

James D. Whittaker, 79, of Cleveland passed away peacefully at home on Saturday morning January 22, 2022.

Jim’s career as an educator started right out of college as a Band Director for Polk County High School in Benton, TN., then later as Music instructor at Tomlinson College, all the while gifting his talent to his local Peerless Road Church as choir director.  After getting a master’s degree in secondary supervision, he became the assistant principal of Chattanooga Valley High School.  The Georgia Educational system offered him the position of Principal at Chickamauga Elementary, where he served for 15 years until his retirement.  Jim loved that he was helping to make a difference in so many young lives.

 Jim was the youngest of nine children and is survived by his loving wife of 40 years Ernestene Bryant Whittaker; two sisters: Jean Hitchcock (Morris) of Cleveland, and Mary Russell of Indianapolis; special nephews, Anthony Hitchcock of Ringgold, GA, and Bob Keathley of Cleveland; several other nieces and nephews; and in-laws, Jimmy and Norma Bryant and Betty Bryant of Cleveland. 

The family will gather for a private celebration of his life on Tuesday, January 25 at Fike-Randolph & Son Funeral Home with the Reverend Mack Streun officiating.  Interment will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens in Hixson, TN with Chaplain Doug Murray officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of Chattanooga-Cleveland, Keith Street NW, Cleveland, TN 37311.  You may send condolences to P.O. Box 390, Charleston, TN 37310.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Whittaker family guestbook at www.fikefh.com