James Lowell Whitely (1929-2021)

WHITELY, FERREL, WALLACE, NELSON, WHITMAN, HOWARD

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 17:16:15

WILTON-James Lowell Whiteley, age 92, of Wilton, Iowa, passed away Friday, July 30, 2021, at his home. Visitation will be held 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at Bentley Funeral Home, Wilton. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at the funeral home. Burial with military rites will take place in Oakdale Cemetery, Wilton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. Condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com

James was born on June 21, 1929, the son of Kenneth and Glendoris (Ferrel) Whiteley in Centerville, Iowa. He graduated from Wilton High School with the Class of 1947. After graduation, Jim owned a painting business. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, where he received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He married Catherine "Kay" Wallace on February 21, 1954 in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Jim operated the Western Auto Store in Wilton from 1954-1976. He later worked for Louis Rich Foods in West Liberty, retiring in 1992. He served as a Wilton Volunteer Fireman for over 20 years and was a member of the Wilton Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed spending time in his garage, tinkering, and traveling. Most of all, Jim loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Jim will be dearly missed by his wife, Kay; three daughters, Debbie Nelson, Diana (Michael) Whitman and Dee (Michele) Whiteley; six grandchildren, Jeremy (Elissa Gutierrez) Howard, Brandi (Kevin) Dorcy, Angela (Adam) Buckland, Makayla (Jeremy Fletcher) Marolf, Nathan (Katie) Whitman and Kayleigh Whitman; ten great grandchildren, Katelyn, Noah, Brody, Hunter, Kenley, Drew, Calie, JJ, Piper and CeCe; and one brother, Jerry (Kay) Whiteley.

Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Gene Whiteley; and one son in-law, Richard "Dick" Nelson.

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Published by The Muscatine Journal on Aug. 2, 2021.