James Whatley

James Whatley 1930-2016

James Hugh Whatley, Sr. (Jim) passed away peacefully on February 3rd 2016. Jim was born on January 12th, 1930, the son of Joseph William Whatley and his beloved mother, who raised him and his brothers, Nellie Bodiford Whatley of Eufaula, AL. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 58 years, Janet Patterson Whatley, and his children Marjorie Whatley Kane and Jim, Linda Whatley Thomas and Russell, Karen Whatley Shinnick and Scott, Jimmy Whatley and Faith. Grandchildren Jessica Kane Murphy and John, Sara Kane Bergan and Brad, Molly Kane, Abigail Kane, Caleb Kane, Megan Thomas Harris and Adam, Whitney Thomas Bartlett and Casey, Kennedy Shinnick, Mitchell Shinnick, Wells Shinnick, Hugh Whatley and Milan, and Grace Whatley. Great--grandchildren Thomas, Lucy, and Isaac Murphy, Caroline and Rosalie Bergan, Emma Harris, and his brother, Charles Burl Whatley and Peggy. Jim was preceded in death by his mother and father, brothers Joseph William Whatley and John Calvin Whatley, and his cherished grandson, James Joseph Kane, III. Jim played football at Auburn University and went on to graduate and play ball at Troy State University, where he received his MBA in School Administration. Jim and Janet moved to the Myrtle Grove area of Pensacola in 1958. Jim began coaching at Escambia High School, where he influenced many young students and players through the early 60's. It was in these years that he earned the lifelong name that so many still call him today, "Coach". He loved that name and for Jim it meant so much more than X's and O's on a football field. Jim continued his career teaching, and coaching, and serving in various leadership roles in schools throughout the county. Eventually Jim served as Director of Secondary Education and retired in 1991 as Deputy Superintendent of Escambia County Schools. Jim poured his life into his community and Myrtle Grove Baptist Church; he was a strong supporter of the church and a true servant leader serving in many roles for over 50 years as devoted member. He truly loved the outdoors. Jim was an avid hunter; he enjoyed fishing with his grandkids and camping with his wife, Jan, as they toured the country in their RV. In his retirement years, Jim served with Gideon's International here in Pensacola. Jim's accomplishments were many, but ultimately his life's testimony is first and foremost his love for Christ Jesus. His legacy and influence will carry forward in the lives of his children and grandchildren and the untold lives impacted by Coach. A Funeral service will be held at Myrtle Grove Baptist Church on Monday, February 8th. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am with service starting at 12:00pm followed by a burial at Pensacola Memorial Gardens. In lieu of Flowers donations can be made in memory of Jim Whatley to Myrtle Grove Baptist Church 5920 Lillian Hwy.