James A. Whitaker, Jr.

James A. Whitaker, Jr., age 71, of Longwood, Florida passed away on Thursday, January 27, 2022 after a brief illness at South Seminole Hospital, Longwood.

Jim was born on August 25, 1950 in Orlando, FL, son of the late James A., Sr. and Charlotte (Hafer) Whitaker. On May 15, 1971, he married the former Diana Johnson. Jim followed in his father's footsteps as a career firefighter for the Orange County Fire Department and various other departments, retiring as a Lieutenant after 44 years of dedicated service.

Jim was dedicated to his family, and had a deep love for his grandchildren; sharing many vacation trips with them. He loves the mountains of North Carolina and visited there often. Jim's favorite sport was shooting and teaching his family gun safety and target shooting.

Jim was the neighborhood "go to guy" - if anyone needed a tool or suggestions on how to fixsomething. If he didn't have the tool, he would fabricate something to make it work. His garage and tool boxes were stocked with most anything needed. If he didn't have it - you didn't need it.

He will be missed greatly by family and friends.

Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 51 years, Diana Whitaker of Longwood; two sons, James A. Whitaker, III, and Andrew Whitaker; three grandchildren, Victoria Whitaker, Dylan Whitaker, and Hailey Whitaker; two brothers, John Whitaker and his wife, Gail, of Orlando, and Jack Whitaker and his wife, Debi, of Orlando; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home – South Seminole Chapel, 335 E. State Road 434, Longwood with Pastor Phil Ayers officiating.

Visitation with the family will precede the service on Saturday from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm at the funeral home.

To share your memories of Jim or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below abov