James Joseph Whittenburg

James Joseph Whittenburg, 87, passed away peacefully on Friday at his home in Gambrills, MD. He was born in Rome, GA, the youngest son of the late Gladys Cordelia Tarvin Whittenburg and John Thomas Whittenburg. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Walters Whittenburg; children, Dr. Luann Whittenburg, Daniel G., and Thomas E.; sister, Lucile Whittenburg Crews (Henry F.) of Rome, GA; nephews, William Lamar Whittenburg, Thomas Hoyt Whittenburg, Dr. Stephen Jeffrey Crews and wife, Leigh Slade Crews; niece, Dr. Jan Crews Elias; and sister-in-law, Tullie Whittenburg Smith. He was preceded in death by siblings, William Oscar, John Alfred, Thomas Hoyt, and Gladys Ellen (Whittenburg) Raiden.

After completing his school years, Joe went on to a distinguished military career spanning the Marine Reserve, Navy, and U.S. Coast Guard serving 27 years culminating in becoming the first C.O. of the U.S. Coast Guard Station Curtis Bay, MD. He retired from military service and joined the U.S. Defense Mapping Agency as a Senior Marine Information Specialist and Editor of the ‘Notice to Mariners’, an international publication for navigation. Joe dedicated 40 years of federal service to the Mariner. He was a member of American Legion, Calhoun, GA and member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at Charity United Methodist Church 4080 Charity Neck Road Virginia Beach, VA 23457 at 3:00pm.