James M. 'PeeWee' Whitaker

Sunday, July 6, 2014

James M. "PeeWee" Whitaker, 78, of Cunot, formally of Indianapolis, passed away at his home peacefully on Thursday, July 3, 2014 surrounded by his family.

James was born to the late Myrtle and Okla Whitaker on Nov. 30, 1935 in Putnam County.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, and his children, Jeffrey (Deneice), James K. (Robin), Jeanne Whitaker (Marty), Julie (Jason) Barnes, and four stepchildren, Lisa (David) Haughey, Lee Ann (Dave) Harold, Laura (Jeff) Hardbeck and Buddy McLearran.

James also had seven grandchildren, 14 stepgrandchildren, one great-grandchild and 14 stepgreat-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his stepmother, Doris Whitaker, stepsister Kathy (Sean) Graves and stepbrother Dennis (Cynthia) Whitaker.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Theodore.

James retired from Ford Motor Co. in Indianapolis after 34 years of service in 1995. He served in the U.S. Army from 1961-63.

In 1959, James became the first Hoosier to win an NHRA race.

James' hobbies included NASCAR, NHRA, basketball, football and working on hot rods.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 8 at Lauck and Veldhof Funeral Home, 1458 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis.

Visit www.lauckfuneralhome.com for online condolences.

The visitation at Whitaker Funeral Home in Cloverdale will be from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9 with the funeral service to follow.

James will be buried at Union Chapel Cemetery in Morton.

Condolences may be sent to cds@whitakerfuneralhome.net.