Jim Louis Whittington

James Louis "Jim" Whittington, 74 passed away early Sunday May 7, 2017 at his home east of Emporia.

He was born December 6, 1942 in Emporia, Kansas the son of Louis B. and Gladys E. Wamser Whittington. Jim attended Reading High School and graduated with the Class of 1960.

Jim joined the United States Navy on July 20, 1961. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam war until being awarded a honorable discharge on July 8, 1965. During his time in the Navy he was trained as an electrician and electrical plant operator and repairman. This training would benefit Jim in his civilian occupations throughout his life.

Jim began working at Dolly Madison in 1965 as an engineering supervisor. He would later work at Modine Manufacturing. He would take part in the construction of the Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Station and later serve as the engineering supervisor at Safeway Pet Foods.
Jim served as the City Manager for the City of Reading for several years before his retirement in 2003.

His current and past memberships include the Reading Lions Club, V.F.W. Post #1980 of Emporia and the Eagles Club.

Jim married the love of his life, Teresa Martin Welch on July 24, 1968 in Emporia, Kansas.

Jim will live on in the hearts of his wife, Terri Whittington of their home; sons, Michael R. Welch Jr. and his wife Amy of Emporia, Rodney L. Whittington and his wife Amy of Topeka and David L. Whittington of Oak Grove, Missouri; brothers, Robert Whittington of Reading and Richard Whittington of Lawrence; ten grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; numerous extended family and countless dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ronald and Donald Whittington and a sister, Patsy Whittington.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, May 13, 2017 at the Reading United Methodist Church. Inurnment will follow services at Reading Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 P.M., until 7:30 P.M. at the Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home in Lebo. Memorial contributions may be made to the Reading United Methodist Church and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed at vanarsdalefs.com.