James Lee Whitbeck passed from this life on Dec. 2 in Wichita, Kansas. Jimmy, as he was known, was born on June 25, 1950 in Woodward, Oklahoma, the son of Amy Irene Thomas Whitbeck and Frank Whitbeck. Jimmy spent many happy summer days with his grandparents, Wesley and Amy Thomas, on their farm in rural Woodward County. He will be remembered for his hearty laugh and his gentle demeanor. He was a good-natured man who appreciated every kind word and deed. All who know him will remember him with fondness and love. The family wishes to thank the caregivers at New Hope Center in Valley Center, Kansas where he has resided since 1975.

Jimmy was preceded in death by both of his parents and three brothers, Robert Dale, Gary Don, and Thomas Allen Whitbeck. He is survived by a niece, Sherry Whitbeck and a nephew, Tommy Whitbeck, of Wichita, Kansas; three nieces in Oklahoma, Joleen Whitbeck of Clinton, Justina Whitbeck Fitzgerald of Oklahoma City, and Julie Whitbeck Louthan of Seiling; a sister-in-law Beatrice Whitbeck of Wichita, Kansas and her three children Laina Schonefeld, Dana Blaha and Daryl Roqueplot; step-mother Josephine Whitbeck and half-brother, William Whitbeck, both from the Wichita area.