James L. Whitmore, 76, of Sweet Home passed away Sunday. He was born in St. Anthony, Idaho to James Peter and Dollie F. (Lehman) Whitmore.

He served in the United States Air Force as an airport control operator for four years. He received the Good Conduct Medal in December 1955.

James moved from Idaho to the Portland area in 1942, and then moved to the Liberty area in 1944, and finally to Sweet Home in 1950. He started High School in Sweet Home.

On September 3, 1960 James married his loving wife Wilma.

He worked at Willamette Industries Santiam Division for 30 years, and also at O&M Tires and Antrim Sheet Metal.

James enjoyed water skiing, rocks, fishing, hunting, planting trees, and gold panning. He had a great sense of humor. James loved the outdoors and his family.

He is survived by: his wife, Wilma Carol Williams Whitmore of Sweet Home; children, James Brian Whitmore of Camden, Delaware, Julie Lynn Whitmore of Sweet Home, Jeffrey Michael Whitmore of Sweet Home, Jerald Allan Whitmore of Creswell; nine grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.

James was preceded in death by: his father, James Peter Whitmore; mother, Dollie F. Kranenberg; and sister, Venita May Whitmore Rice.

A memorial service will is planned for 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 9, 2013 at River of Life Church.

Memorial Contributions can be made in his name to the Emenhieser Center at Lebanon Community Hospital.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.