Jimmie Ronald Whitis, 83, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on 1/12/26. He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years Viki and his beloved daughter and companion Audra. Jimmie is also survived by his son Adam Wilson (Gillian) and three grandsons, Braeden, Parker, and Griffin; his son James Whitis (Dana) and granddaughters Joanna (Austin), Isabella, Katie Harsters (Ben) and great grandson, Teddy; Joseph Whitis (Marie) and grandsons Logan and Lehton. Also left to grieve his loss are Jim’s brother Gary Cook, wife Merci, nieces Catherine, Jennifer Davis (Nicholas) and their daughters Avery and Alexander. Jimmie was preceded in death by his parents Otis and Lizzie Whitis and sister Veleda Meece.
Jimmie was born in Danville, Ky in 1942. He loved football and received a scholarship from Eastern Ky. University where he graduated with a business degree. He moved to Evansville in 1975 and spent most of his adult life selling Caterpillar lift trucks – he was very passionate about the Caterpillar equipment he represented. He understood everything about what he sold and never met a stranger. He truly cared for his many, many customers. He retired in 2015.
Jimmie also enjoyed going to local antique equipment and car shows. He said he liked them because he was an antique too. He was an avid sports fan, following the Colts and of course, IU football, especially this year. Jimmie followed his Kentucky roots too and enjoyed watching UK games.
Jimmie was also a Mason and a Shriner for most of his life and only stepped away from the organizations recently because of poor health.
Jimmie, along with his wife and daughter, are long-time members of Christian Fellowship Church. He was a true believer and always liked to tell the story about being baptized when he was very young, in a small creek near his Kentucky home. Jimmie liked that our pastor, Dale Beavers, was from Kentucky and kept his accent and Ky. sense of humor because he could really understand him.
Jimmie is with his Lord and Savior now. Recently, the family lost a very special furry member, Sam. He really grieved the loss of his “little buddy” and now, hopefully, they’ll see each other again.
A memorial for Jimmie will be held on Friday, January 30, from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm at Christian Fellowship Church (Chapel) 4100 Millersburg Rd. Evansville, IN. 47725
No flowers please. Memorial Contributions may be made to Christian Fellowship Church, Evansville, Indiana.
Carol Hunter says
I’m sorry for the loss of Jimmi, dear Viki ,and for the children losing their father. Missing him is hard to bear, but we know that is heavens gain and for that we can rejoice!
Love to all ,Carol Hunter
from Olivet Church
Patty Cullison says
My late husband and I met Jim, Viki, and Audra many years ago at the Saturday evening service at CFC. Jim always greeted us/me with a friendly smile and greeting. He will be missed.