James Jim Garvin Whetzel Obituary 1949-2013
James “Jim” Garvin Whetzel, 63, of Covington, Ga., was peacefully called to the Lord on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, in Emory University Hospital.
He was born at Martinsburg, on Dec. 22, 1949, the eldest son of Doris Garvin Whetzel of Fairmont and the late Vernon Whetzel.
After graduating from Fairmont Senior High School in 1967, he attended Fairmont State College, obtaining a business degree. He spent his adult life in Buckhannon, Washington, Pa., and Covington, Ga. He was a natural salesman and a sales manager in industrial lubricants, notably with Pennzoil, Shell Oil and, most recently, with CITGO Petroleum.
He greeted every person and situation with a welcoming spirit, having never met a stranger. He wholeheartedly cherished the relationships with his friends and coworkers, and was a valued friend, confidant and mentor to many. His ability to bring joy to every situation, warm demeanor and genuine charm will long be remembered.
Along with his wife of eight years, Juanita, he was most dedicated to his family, especially his three sons, Jamie, Josh and Matt; and most recently, his grandson, James Garvin Whetzel III “Garv.” He was a beloved brother, uncle, mentor, coach, neighbor and loyal friend to many. He had an ability to make everyone around him feel comfortable and told great stories.
Those left behind include his best friend and wife, Juanita Whetzel of Covington, Ga; loving mother, Doris Whetzel of Fairmont; siblings Rebecca (Thomas J.) Corder of Bridgeport and Bonita Springs, Fla., William (Gayle) Whetzel of Wilmington, N.C., Jonathan (Tee) Whetzel of Fairview and Mary (Mark) Ransom of Winchester, Va.; sons James Garvin Whetzel Jr., wife, Sara, and grandson, James Garvin Whetzel III, of San Antonio, Texas, Josh Battistone and wife, Kelly, of Richmond, Va., and Matt Whetzel, of Washington, Pa.; mother-in-law, Verneeda Beal of Covington, Ga.; beloved uncle, Bill (Sharon) Garvin of Morgantown; and had a deep love for many other aunts, uncles, cousins, family members and special friends.
He was met at heaven’s gate by his father, Vernon Whetzel.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at Emory University Hospital for their caring and compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Leukemia Program Fund at the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Office of Gift Records, Emory University, 1762 Clifton Rd. NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30322 or online at winshipcancer.emory.edu/support.
Friends may call at McCulla Funeral Home, 770 Fairmont Road in Morgantown Friday, Jan. 11, from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Services will be Saturday at McCulla Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Mark Ransom officiating. Entombment will follow in Beverly Hills Cemetery.
Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.mcculla.com.
James Jim Garvin Whetzel Obituary 1949-2013
