James Edward Whitaker

He was born on September 25, 1940 in Takoma Park, MD and was predeceased by his parents Mary Alice Hardesty Costello & John Wise Christopher Costello Sr. He was married to Mary Elizabeth Scott Whitaker, now deceased.

Jim graduated from Howard High School in Ellicott City, MD, attended Florida Beacon College and received an associates degree from St. Petersburg Junior College in 1979. He was also advisor for the SPJC student newspaper and instructor of the journalism class in 1984.

Jim had a life-long career in journalism as a newspaper editor/writer for various newspapers. He was with the St. Petersburg Times in Florida for over 20 years, winning multiple awards for special sections including Crossroads, the religion news section. Jim continued his newspaper career with the Daily Commercial of Leesburg, FL; Citrus County Chronicle, FL; The Augusta Chronicle, GA and Juneau Empire, AK. He was a member of Florida Press Club (a one-time President and Board Member); Florida Society of Newspaper Editors; Religion Newswriters Association; Society for Professional Journalists; National Conference of Christians and Jews; Georgia Press Association; and Alaska Press Club.

Jim served in the U.S. Coast Guard as an electronics technician 2nd class stationed in Miyakojima and Ryukyu Islands, Japan. He then served in the Active Coast Guard Reserve as a photojournalist 2nd class at the St. Petersburg Coast Guard Air Station, Florida.

He had a passion for reading, especially history, and loved to cook. He toured Florida in the early 70’s with a gospel group, The Joyful Noise, as the group’s evangelist. The group recorded three albums while together.

He is survived by his daughters, Kathleen Ann Whitaker and Kendra Marie Blubaugh; son, John Martin Francis Whitaker; brother, John Christopher Costello; granddaughters, Krisanne Jacques (Kate Eastman) and Karilynne Crawford; great-granddaughter, Khloe Crawford; great-grandson, Silas Jacques Eastman; great-grandson, Parker Jacques Eastman; great-granddaughter, Cordelia Joy Crowe; and great-great-granddaughter, Lexa Montoya.

He was predeceased by his brother, George Francis Whitaker; his sister, Judith Ann Whitaker; and his great-granddaughter, Madison Lee Crawford.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, March 16, 2025 at Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774.