James M. Whittenberg

DR. JAMES M. WHITTENBERG, M.D., 79, of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 6:32 pm, Thursday, October 18, 2018 at Memorial Hospital, Chester, Illinois.

He was born to the late Thomas Layman and Bessie Mamie (nee Curtis) Whittenberg on January 6, 1939 in Libertyville, Illinois.

He married Wilma Derringer on November 7, 1979 in Wine Hill, Illinois; she survives.

James had worked as a medical doctor in private practice from 1967 to 1987 and then as urgent care director at Carbondale Clinic from 1987 to 2001.

He was a member of First Baptist Church in Chester, Illinois. He was also a member of the Chester Country Club, V.F.W. Post #3553, American Legion Post #487 and Fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice. He was one of the organizational members of the Family Practice Residency Program of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. James was an Army Veteran serving as a physician in the Vietnam War.

Survivors:
Wife: Wilma Whittenberg                                  Chester, IL
4 Children: Kim (Bryan) Cramer                         Murphysboro, IL
James Matthew (Shelly) Whittenberg Murray, KY
Jennifer Dawn (Tom) Guthrie             Grass Lake, MI
Kirk Alan (Christine) Whittenberg       Monteray, CA
6 Siblings: Thomas (Sandra) Whittenberg            Phoenix, AR
Philip Whittenberg                            Tacoma, WA
Karl (Susan) Whittenberg                   Lewes, DE
Ruth Walker                                     Jerseyville, IL
Elizabeth Whittenberg                      Pueblo, CO
Karen Fraser                                     El Paso, TX

8 Grandchildren: Amanda Kessler, Tony Cramer, Marisa Whittenberg, Emily Guthrie, Luke Guthrie, Bohdi Whittenberg, Remy Whittenberg and Cade Whittenberg

Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends

Preceded in Death by : Parents and 1 Brother – Richard Whittenberg

Funeral Service : 12:00 pm, Wednesday, October 24, 2018
First Baptist Church, Chester, Illinois

Officiating: Dr. Mike Fogerson

Visitation: Wednesday – 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
First Baptist Church, Chester, Illinois

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Chester, Illinois.