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Whitworth, James
James Whitworth, 89, of Victor, passed away Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013, at the Marengo Memorial Hospital. A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 19, at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Victor, with the Rev. Brian Shepley officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 2 until 7 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home in Victor, where there will be a rosary recited at 4 p.m. and a Scripture service at 7 p.m. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Victor.
Memorials may be directed to the James Whitworth Memorial Fund and sent c/o Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 485, Victor, IA 52347.
Jim was born Aug. 28, 1923, in Victor, Iowa to Thomas and Celeste McGuire Whitworth. He was raised in Victor and attended St. John's School, graduating with the class of 1941. He continued his education in the ROTC program at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in geology in 1945.
Jim was employed in the Cedar Rapids area following his education, working for Collins Radio, Link-Belt, Speeder Corporation and the Borden Co. In 1957, he relocated to Rock Island, Ill. In 1962, he moved back to Victor and began working with his dad at his hardware store that was started by his grandfather, Harry Whitworth. After the passing of his father in 1968, Jim continued running the family business. His passing brings to an end a family name that has been familiar in the area since 1878.
Jim enjoyed golfing and bowling till his health started to decline. He remained active at playing cards at area locations and attending the senior meals at the Victor City Hall.
Jim was an officer and lifetime member with the Knights of Columbus and a member of St. Bridget Catholic Church.
On behalf of Jim's family and his friends they would like to thank his neighbors for all their help the past few years.
Jim is survived by his cousin, Geik Geiken of Grand Rapids, Mich.; a good friend, Tom Kurovski of Victor; and many distant relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Published Aug. 18, 2013 in The Gazette
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