James Harold Whitt died August 22 at the age of 91. James was born on December 17, 1924 in Blanche, TN. His family moved to Haleyville in 1926 when his father became local manager of Alabama Power Company.
He graduated from Haleyville High in 1942 and enlisted in the US Army in 1943. He served his country in the European Theater during WWII rising to the rank of Master Sergeant and being awarded the Bronze Star for his meritorious service. Upon discharge from the Army in 1946, he enrolled at Auburn University graduating in 1948 with a degree in electrical engineering. He served as an electrical engineer for TVA until 1950 when he returned to Haleyville and established Whitt Jewelry Company, a company he operated with his family for 58 years. From 1958 until 1960 Mr. Whitt served as Diversified Occupations instructor at Haleyville High School, making an indelible and life-long impact on the lives of his students. In 1960, he founded Whitt Electrical Contractors and played a role in constructing many hospitals, schools and industrial facilities throughout northwest Alabama.
Mr. Whitt served with distinction as mayor of Haleyville from 1964 – 1968. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the construction of a new post office, sewer system, Burdick-West Hospital (now Lakeland Community Hospital) and Haleyville Memorial Stadium (Bubba Scott Field). The nation’s first 911 call was made from his office on February 16, 1968. He loved Haleyville and worked tirelessly throughout his life to bring jobs and improve educational opportunities into the community. For his contributions to the community, he was honored as the 2005 Haleyville Alumnus of the Year.
He was a member of Haleyville First Baptist Church a dedicated and effective teacher of God’s Word. For over fifty years, he taught Sunday School at First Baptist Church and at Corinth Heights Baptist Church. He served as chairman of the Building Committee at each of these churches during the construction of their current sanctuaries.
His visitation will be Wednesday August 24, 2016 at the First Baptist Church in Haleyville, AL. from 12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m., with his funeral at 3:00 p.m. at the church, with Bro. Nathan Carroll officiating. Burial in Winston Memorial Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mona, by his children Kay (Ken) Sunseri and Steve (Carol) Whitt and by his brother Joe Whitt and sister Martha Hoover. He leaves behind four grandchildren; Murry (CeCe) Whitt, Beth (Keith) Moore, Holly (Heath) Sutherland and David Sunseri, and ten greatgrandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, W. W. Whitt and Maggie O’Neal Whitt;
brother, W. O. Whitt; sisters Frances Hackett, Jean Roby and Sara Fuller; and his granddaughter, Jennifer Sunseri.
In Lieu of Flowers, make donations to the church or charity of your choice, or to Lion Legacy at Haleyville High School.
you may leave online condolences at www.pinkardfh.com
