James J. “Jim” Whiteman, 79, peacefully passed away of natural causes in his home Sunday morning, Dec. 4, 2016.

Jim was born Dec. 13, 1936 in Gary to James A. and Ruby B. (Howland) Whiteman. He graduated from LaPaz High School with the class of 1955.

He joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. He was a sharp shooter and received medals for his skill. Jim was Honorably Discharged in 1962.

In 1964, Jim took as his wife, Nancy L. Holmstrom, and to this union came four children: Angela, Jeff, Jayme and Brad.

Jim was a self-employed landscape designer who owned and operated Whitman & Son’s Landscaping and Whiteman’s Greenhouse. In his later years, he drove school bus for the Plymouth School system for nearly 15 years, and he was a realtor for Masterson & Associates Inc Realtors.

He loved traveling with his wife and wintered in Florida, where they enjoyed countless walks on the beach. A family man, the time spent with them was a real treasure and brought him the most joy. Jim also liked to feed the birds and deer in the neighborhood so all could enjoy their beauty.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Nancy, Plymouth; and their children: Angela (Rick) Scott, Bremen; Jeff (Beth) Aker, Zepherhills, Fla.; Jayme (Raymond “Pee Wee”) Warren, Plymouth; and Brad (Julie) Whiteman, Lakeville; nine grandchildren: Ryan, Joshua, Spencer, Chris, Chelsea, Leihana, Will, Natalie and James; four great grandchildren: Ethan, Grace, Liam and Colin; and a brother, Tom (Maxine) Whiteman, Plymouth.

He was preceded in death by his parents, great grandson, CJ Berg, and siblings: Debra Emmons and Dick Whiteman.

Family will receive friends 11-1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8 in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth.

A Memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to Riley Children’s Hospital: 705 Riley Hospital Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46202.