James D. Whitmer, formerly of Ashville, passed away too soon in Corona, California, on Feb. 2, 2017.
The 14-year-old enjoyed riding his bike and scooter, playing football for the Corona-Empire Saints (#32) and spending time with family and friends.
He had attended Ashville Elementary School and Teays Valley East Middle School, and had moved in September to California. He was attending Auburndale Intermediate School in Corona.
He was preceded in death by grandparents, Jerry Brown, George Whitmer and Constance Berney.
James is survived by mother, Brandy K. Brown of North Carolina; his father, George A. Whitmer of Grove City; sisters, Sabrina Bennett (Seth Waugh) of Columbus, Kayla Whitmer and Madison Whitmer, both of Grove City; niece, Bailey Waugh; special parents, Jeffrey (Leaha) Thompson of California and Heather (Romi) Sipe of Circleville; grandparents, Mary Jo Ivan, Ruth and Tony Sturgill; uncles and aunts, Tony (Jennifer) Sturgill Jr., Jamie (Devon) Whitmer, Danny Whitmer (Sam Thompson), Christy (Rob) Daniels and Caitlyn Brown; great uncle and aunt, Randy (Jodi) Brown; great-aunt Donna McCollister; special brothers and sisters Emalee, Jeffrey Jr., and Sean “Rockstar” Thompson, William, Walker and Winston Danison; special cousins, Holly (Frank) DaIello and Randi Lynn Brown (Matt).
The family will receive friends from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, 2017, with a service to follow at 6 p.m. the Oliver-Cheek Funeral Home, 420 W. Main St., Ashville, with Rev. Ron Goodling officiating.
The family request in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the funeral home for expenses.
This article originally appeared on The Pickaway News Journal
