James Marshall Whitney

After graduating from Wakefield High School in Arlington, VA, Jim joined the Army, serving six months on active duty and the remainder of his time in the Reserves. He then attended and graduated from Shepherd College (now Shepherd University) in Shepherdstown, WV in 1962 with a degree in Business Administration. He was listed in “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities” in 1961-62.

Upon graduation from college, Jim worked for the Washington Gaslight Co. and was then recruited to work for the B.F. Saul Co., where he worked for many years. In 1981, Jim decided to start his own business, Whitney Financial Services, Ltd., and opened an office in Tysons Corner, VA. He became an Enrolled Agent in 1993 and sold a portion of his business in 1997 when he and his wife moved to Williamsburg, VA. He continued to travel back and forth to his Tysons Corner Office during tax season. Even though he was semi-retired in 1997, he took his favorite clients with him and continued to pick up new clients in Williamsburg. He sold the remainder of his business in 2018 and officially retired in 2019.

Jim was always giving back. While living in Arlington, he joined the Arlington Rotary Club and became a Paul Harris Fellow. As part of his commitment to giving back, he joined the Board of the Shelter Occupational Center, later becoming President of the organization. He continued to give back and while living in Williamsburg, he became a Volunteer for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, doing Orientation Walks and acting as an Ambassador. He was known for his straw hat with the red feather and continued to volunteer for 19 years.

Jim always loved to sing. While at Shepherd, he sang with the Shepherd Choir and appeared in several musicals and was asked to join the Shepherd Chorale, a smaller group made up of music majors (except for Jim). He was later introduced to Barbershop and was a member of the Arlingtons Chorus in Arlington, VA, and the Virginians in Richmond. He was also a member of SPEBSQSA, now the Barbershop Harmony Society for 49 years and also appeared in “The Music Man”, produced by CAPA in Williamsburg. Jim was a member and Trustee at Williamsburg Baptist Church and sang in the Church Choir.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 59 years, Frances Scripture Whitney; son, Jimmy Whitney (Kelly); daughter, Nancy Machado (John); and four grandchildren, Tyler Whitney (Lauren), Jared Whitney, Katie Machado and Nick Machado; sisters, Nancy Vickers (Charlie), Jane Winston (Toby) and Gayle Weaver (Mike).

The family wished to express thanks to the staff at Fresenius Dialysis Center and to his wonderful caregivers Sharon, April and Uneek from Agape Home Health.

A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date and his ashes will be interred in the Memorial Garden at Williamsburg Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Williamsburg Baptist Church, 227 Richmond Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23185 (www.williamsburgbaptist.com) or to the “Virginians” Barbershop Chorus, c/o Jim Chappell, 1632 Elmart Lane, Richmond, VA 23235.

Online condolences may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.