James "Jim" Wilhoite

                Muncie- James “Jim” Wilhoite, 77, passed away Wednesday evening, May 17, 2017, at his residence following a long stoically independent battle with Dementia.  He was born on July 17, 1939, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, the son of Leroy Johnson and Mary Alice (Wisehart) Wilhoite.

                Jim attended Eugene Field Elementary School, Wilson Jr. High School and is a 1957 graduate of Muncie Central High School and graduated from Ball State University with a Masters Degree in 1970.   Later, He married the love of his life Patricia A. “Pat” (Dorton) Wilhoite on April 27, 1963.  Mr. Wilhoite proudly served the US Army in Germany in the early 1960’s.    He had taught junior and senior high school history for several years having served Cowan, Daleville and Muncie Central High School where he also the first director of the Adult education Program.  Jim and Pat purchased and operated Wilhoite Monument Company, which has been the family business through 4 generations for 92 years. 

                He was a 50 years member of the Elks Lodge, a lifetime member of the American Legion, and the Indiana and National Monument Builders Association of North America.  He began his lifelong love of sports with the Muncie Central swim team, basketball team and he was on one of the Central’s State Champion cross country teams.  His adult sports included Church league basketball and baseball leagues and he was a lifelong Cubs fan.  He was an avid golfer, teaming up with his best friend since junior high, Ed Lockard where they played at Hickory Hills Golf Club.  They went on many golf adventures including playing with Lee Trevino.  He spent lots of recreation family time at their cottage on Little Chapman Lake.  His high energy, love of family and humor will be missed by all.                                                                                                                                                                   

                Besides his wife of 54 years, Pat, he is survived by, a daughter, Ann Marie LaRue (husband-Jon), Tulalip, Washington; a daughter-in-law, Tanya Wilhoite, Muncie; two granddaughters, Hannah and Virginia Wilhoite, both of Muncie; three brothers, Dr. John Wilhoite (wife-Dr. Carla),Muncie, Joe Wilhoite (wife-Jewel), Crossville, Tennessee and Jerry Wilhoite, Clearwater, Florida; several nieces and nephews.

                He is preceded in death by his parents, a son, James Patrick Wilhoite in 2008 and a nephew Sean Wilhoite.

                A gathering of friends and family will be held in mid- July, to be announced at a later date.  Cremation is taking place.

                Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Services of East Central Indiana, Inc. (Little Red Door) 2311 W. Jackson St. Muncie, IN 47303-4733 or the Animal Rescue Fund 1209 w. Riggin Rd. Muncie, IN 47303.

                Online condolences may be made to the family in care of www.parsonmortuary.com.
 

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