James Whitney
James Whitney, 81, passed away April 8, 2017 in Lafayette, Colorado.
A vigil service was held on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, and Memorial Mass was held on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, both at St. Louis Catholic Church in Louisville, Colora-do. Rev. Timothy Hjelstrom served as celebrant and Debbie Vogelsberg as organist. Ellen Oasheim, Dave Davis and Katherine Greany were vocalists.
Private internment was at Mountain View Memorial Park in Boulder, Colorado.
Jim Whitney of Lafayette, formerly of Boulder, was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and administrator. He was born December 4, 1935, in Hartington, Nebraska to Anna Schiedel and Bill Whitney.
Jim graduated from Hartington High School in 1953. He began his college career at Wayne State College, where he was an outstanding athlete. He earned ten letters in football, basketball, and track during his years at Wayne State.
Jim graduated in 1957. In 2002 he was inducted into the Wayne State Athletic Hall of Fame. On August 10, 1957,
Jim married Janice Benton of Oto, Iowa. They began their married life in Fort Dodge, Iowa, where Jim was the head basketball coach at St. Edmond’s High School.
Jim moved his family to Boulder in 1963 and became manager of Nichols Hall, now Cheyenne Araphao Hall, at the University of Colorado. He retired as Assistant Director of Student Facilities in 1990.
These are the facts about Jim, but he was so much more. He loved all sports and every aspect of athletic events. He loved the University of Colorado, the CU Buffs, traveling, his community, winters in Arizona — and above all, his children and family.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Anna, and by his brothers Merle and Don Whitney.
Jim is survived by his wife Janice, his children: John (Leslie) of Phoenix, AZ; Suzy Whitney of Superior, CO; Tom Whitney of Lafayette, CO; and two grandchildren, Jack and Hannah Whitney of Scottsdale, AZ.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (PO Box 1000, Memphis, TN 38148-0142) or to TRU Community Care (2594 Trail Ridge Dr. East, Lafayette, CO 80026).
