James E. Whitney
Panton
James E. Whitney, 76, passed away Monday, August 23, 2021 at his home in Panton. He was born on September 9, 1944 in Panton the son of Norman and Gladys (Guillette) Whitney.
Jim was a generous man and was always happy to lend a hand to anyone that needed it and would go out of his way to help no matter the task. He was especially good at working on cars and would spend many hours out in his garage working on his and other people’s vehicles. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends.
James is survived by his son Brian and granddaughter Skye of Vergennes, daughter Angela of Panton, daughter Iris of Vergennes and daughter Melody and her husband Dale Miller of Addison. He also leaves his special companion Pat Steele of Middlebury, his nephew Bruce (Donna) Meacham of New Haven, nephew Robert Meacham of Salisbury and niece Robin Vose of Salisbury as well as many great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Thomas and grandson Anthony.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, August 27th at Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Vergennes from 6 to 8 p.m. A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 28th at Prospect Cemetery in Vergennes. To send online condolences to his family please visit www.brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com.
My deepest condolences to Brian, Angela, Iris and Melody and their families. Uncle Jim was a wonderful man who cared for all. He was the best big brother to my mother Mary Jane Whitney/Smith and helped to make sure her car was running and that we had food in our house. He was a father figure to me when I was much younger, enough so that I asked him if he would walk me down the aisle in 1977 to my first husband, and he did. I made a special trip to visit Uncle Jim when I had heard some things my siblings had done to tell him I didn’t agree and how sorry I was that they would borrow from him and not repay him. I wanted him to know the impact he had made on me and my childhood. Heaven has gained a very special angel. I am so sorry for your loss. It hurts my heart too! I thought we had more time to get back to visit with him again. RIP Uncle Jim you have more than earned it.
Thoughts go out to family, my husband Charlie knew him for a long time in the trucking world always spoke about him as always a hard worker and respectful, Charlie Shepard and Dawn
Jim was one of the best, yes he helped any one and everyone who needed it, you didn’t even have to ask, if he knew you needed anything he was right there. I spent ten years with him and they were the best ever. We had fun and were good for each other. I cared for him over the last year when his health started getting worse and he was so gratefull to me for just being there with him. He would have been alone too much if I was not there. His doctor told me I gave him at least 5 more years than he thought he would have. I am so thankful for the time we had together and miss him so much, my heart aches. At least he got his final wish to die at home and to just go to sleep the final time. No more suffering each day.