James M Whittaker Jr

James M. Whittaker Jr. passed away Thursday morning December 15th at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady. Born in Yonkers, NY on July 9, 1926, James was the son of the late James M. Whittaker Sr. and Elizabeth (Marron) Whittaker. A graduate in 1943 from Draper High School and in 1950 from Albany Business College, he played varsity sports in both high school and college. Jim retired from the General Electric Company in 1986 with 41 years of service, mostly as a cost accountant. From 1964 to 1970 Jim was also the proprietor of Jim's Delicatessen on Hamburg Street and he had also worked for Carman Wine and Liquor Store for many years. A World War II Air Force Veteran, Jim was a Past Exalted Ruler (75-76) of Rotterdam Elks Lodge #2157 and had held many positions in the lodge including Chairman of Trustees, Secretary and District Memorial Day Chairman. Jim was also a member of VFW Post #1895. Predeceased by his brother Arthur Whittaker, Jim is survived by his beloved wife 65 years Arlene (Crum) Whittaker of Guilderland, his sons, Coley Whittaker (Kathleen) of Rotterdam and Brad Whittaker (Karen) of Rotterdam, a sister, Ella Coulter of Arizona and his grandchildren,Chandler and Blake Whittaker , Darin Whittaker (Erin Ferguson) and Joolee Erschen (Arthur) and great grandchildren, Reyah, Ryan, Madelyn and Cole. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday morning December 20th at 11:30 am at Bond Funeral Home, Broadway & Guilderland Avenue, Schenectady, NY. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 to 11:30 am prior to the services. Interment with military honors in Saratoga National Cemetery. Contributions in Jim's memory may be made to Major Projects at the Rotterdam Elk's #2157 on Curry Road in Schenectady.