Lt Col James Carlyon Whitener, USAF (Ret.), loving husband, dad, granddad, great-granddad, son, brother, uncle, and friend, peacefully passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 25, 2026, at the age of 91 in San Antonio, Texas. Born May 10, 1934, on his mother’s birthday to Carlyon Durand Whitener and Marion Cameron Whitener of Quincy, Washington, Jim was a devoted family man and true patriot. He is the beloved husband of his wife for life, Joy Yvonne (Reichart) Whitener, in their marriage of more than 66 years.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Jean Packer, Donald Whitener, Lee Dietsch, and Patty Malloy. They had many adventures growing up and stayed in touch through visits and reunions, including his nieces and nephews.
This family man is survived by his wife, Yvonne, and three beloved daughters, Maryon Whitener Baumgartner (Neal), Angela Jean Gibbs (Greg), and Jamey Beth Cihak (Craig). Jim and Yvonne are blessed to have nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren with hopefully more to come.

Jim’s life is a testimony of God’s faithfulness and lovingkindness and of Jim’s persistence and never giving up despite challenges. He learned to see people the way God sees them, as sinners in need of a Savior, and to love them. What Jim would most want others to know about him is his deep love and commitment to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he openly shared with others as naturally as breathing. It is a great comfort to the entire family that our dearest Jim Whitener is rejoicing in heaven, praising God, and is reunited with his family members. He is waiting for the rest of his family in God’s perfect timing. And Jim would beckon you to come to Jesus.

*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.

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