James Wallace Whitten Sr.

WHITTEN, James W., Sr. “Jimmy”, of Richmond, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sara Jo Whitten; his sister Betty Grey Best of Greensboro, NC and his brother G. Harrison Whitten of Kilmarnock, VA; his children Gray W. Maher and her husband Chip, his son Miles H. Whitten and his wife Christen; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and two nieces and five nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents, Lucy J. and Glever H. Whitten; his son, James W. “Wally” Whitten, and his grandson, Whitten Maher, all of Richmond.

Jimmy was born in Richmond, VA in 1932 and grew up in Ginter Park. He graduated from T.J. High School and from the University of Richmond, where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He lived in Midlothian, VA and had a home on the bay in Mathews, VA, where he spent countless weekends over the years, with his family.

Jimmy worked at the family car dealership Whitten Brothers, Inc., for over 50 years, eventually owning it with his brother Harrison, until 1993 when the business was divided. He then became owner of Whitten Lincoln-Mercury, and ran that dealership for 14 years, with his son Wally and his son-in-law, Chip. He also partnered with his son Miles in his construction company, Ridgeline Construction.

He served as President of the Richmond Auto Dealers Association, served on the Lincoln Mercury National Dealer’s Council, and in their Advertising Association. He was a member of Salisbury Presbyterian Church.

Jimmy loved his home in Mathews and spent his time boating, fishing, and enjoying the Chesapeake Bay. He always had a project, one of which was his 1936 Mercury Sedan, that he fully restored from scratch. He had a wonderful sense of humor and always had a funny comeback for you. His joys in life were his cherished wife, Sara Jo, his children – Gray, Wally and Miles, and his six grandchildren. He was infinitely polite, respectful and kind. He was a very gentle soul and will be missed so very much by us all.

There will be a private family interment followed by a church service at Salisbury Presbyterian Church on August 21 at 2:30 pm. The family will have a reception following the church service, at Salisbury Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Save The Bay Foundation and the Virginia Home for Boys and Girls.