James J. Whitehead

James J. Whitehead, 71, of Versailles passed away Friday, August 1, 2008 at the Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born at North Vernon on August 20, 1936 the son of George D. and Doris Taskey Whitehead. He was married to Sharon Vinson on October 25, 1963 and she survives. Other survivors include three sons, James D. (Natalie) Whitehead of Canton, Georgia, Gary (Amy) Whitehead of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Jay (Sandy) Whitehead of Sunman; grandchildren Jerel, Valaree, Baylee, Derek, Zakry, Jozephine, Margo, Emily, Taylor, and Carson; two brothers, Charles Whitehead of Westport and George Whitehead, Jr. of Clarksville. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Helen Wilds. Mr. Whitehead was a 1956 graduate of North Vernon High School and received his CLU degree from American College in Washington DC in 1991. He was a 40 year member of the Tyson United Methodist Church in Versailles where he served as a Trustee, Sunday School teacher, and lay leader. He also attended the Sylvan-Abby United Methodist Church in Safety Harbor, Florida. He was a 50 year member of the Versailles Lions Club and had the unique distinction of 50 years of perfect attendance. He served in the Indiana National Guard, was president of the Harbor Town Condominium Association in Clearwater, Florida, president of the Central Indiana Investment Club, a member of the River City Classic Car Club, and helped organize and served as president of the NALU. Mr. Whitehead worked as an Agency Manager for Farm Bureau Insurance for 29 years retiring in 1995, serving at agencies in Osgood, Madison, Brookville, Batesville, and Vevay. In 1977 he earned the Governor Agency Manager Award. Jim's passions included his grandchildren, fishing, golfing, traveling, his Florida home, classic cars, and having coffee with his buddies at the Versailles McDonalds and at the Paradise Restaurant in Florida. Mr. Jim Whitehead was an organ donor. Memorial services will be held Saturday, August 9 at 11am at the Tyson United Methodist Church in Versailles with Rev. Jim Byerly officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 5pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 10am until time of services Saturday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Tyson United Methodist Church Endowment Fund for Scholarships in care of the funeral home.