James Porter "Jim" Whitworth

James Porter Whitworth of Independence was born March 23, 1927 in Mack’s Creek, Missouri, the son of Opie Whitworth and Ruby (Dickerson) Whitworth. He passed away November 2, 2014 surrounded by those he loved and those who loved him. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patty (Piper) Whitworth, his brother Glade Whitworth and wife Ann; his sister Judy Werner and husband Ray; five children: Mary Jane Goss and husband Curtis; Susan Caroline Hunt and husband Richard; Nancy Elizabeth Whitworth and husband Doug; James Fredric Whitworth; Rachel Lee Retter and husband Paul; grandchildren: Katie Williams and husband Chris; Jacob Goss and wife Jennifer; Luke Goss; Sam Hunt; Grace Hunt; Olivia Hunt; Maggie Cardonell and husband Brad; Chloe Fey; Emily Ballou; Zach Ballou and wife Leah; Hilary Castagno and husband Joe; Anna Retter, Will Retter, and Ellie Retter and great-grandchildren: Max, Cooper, Jack and Jud Williams and Noah James Goss. Jim was an educator who loved his students and delighted in his 51-year teaching career. He began teaching in King City, MO in 1951, continued at Ruskin High School, and then spent 37 years teaching history and counseling students with the Metropolitan Community College. He brought life to history and illustrated his teaching with personal photographs and research conducted on Civil War battlefields as well as the full length of the Oregon Trail as he and Pat traversed the country. He graduated from Southwest Baptist College, Missouri Valley College, and Central Missouri State. Jim served in the US Army during World War II and was a member and Elder of First Presbyterian Church in Independence. Jim went through life with a sense of humor and an abiding love of his family. He struck up conversations, found a common connection, and made friends in every experience and every event. Always in our hearts, we know he is looking down upon us with his love forever. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, November 6th, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church 100 N. Pleasant, Independence, MO. Visitation will be immediately after the service in the Church Parlor. Jim requested memorial donations be made to First Presbyterian Church of Independence 100 N. Pleasant, Independence, MO 64050 or Community Services League 404 North Noland Road, Independence, MO 64050.