James Whitenton

Born in Oklahoma on January 5, 1955 to Robert and Kathryn Whitenton, James earned a BS in Physics from University of Texas at Austin, followed by a summer internship at the Los Alamos superconductor facility, and finally graduated with his PhD in Physics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, in 1982 to begin the lifetime of teaching and research that has influenced so many.

A retired Professor Emeritus at Southern Polytechnic University, James Whitenton was known for his kindness, wit, and engaging, challenging coursework. He was a mentor to many and an inspiration to even more.

James spent his life in pursuit of truth in all its forms, enjoying a lifelong exploration of philosophy—of which he said physics was simply its mathematical pursuit—and poetry that crafted him into a man of immense wisdom and compassion. In his later years, he put his philosophy into practice with his deep respect for nature and care for the guinea pigs he and his wife, Linda, adopted.

James is preceded in death by his mother, Kathryn Whitenton, and father, Robert Whitenton. He is survived by his wife, Linda Whitenton, daughter, Christina [Gregory] James, grandchild, Jesse James, brother, Marshall [Debbie] Whitenton, and sister, Bobbye [William] Baylis.

A humble man who disliked pomp and ceremony, James did not want a memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family is kindly requesting you consider placing a donation in his honor to the Oakhurst Guinea Pig Rescue he so ardently supported by visiting www.ogpr.org.