James Neil Whiteman

My dad Jim was a family man. I remember every morning watching him get ready for work. He filled his huge thermos with coffee, making his lunch on a crisp morning. The sound his jacket and boots made as he zipped up and headed out the door. He worked hard outdoors in the beautiful mountains of Western Colorado. Working for the Bureau of Reclamation, he loved his career. He showed my brother Russ and me some of the most beautiful places you’d ever seen. His career spanned over the decades to include Navajo Damn, Glen Canyon, Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, Crystal & Silver Jack. One of the last projects and I think his favorite was Ridgway Damn.

Frances Stratton (Whiteman) was the love of his life. They were married for 64 years and had 2 children, 4 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. His second son Donald Washburn married me in 1980. Debbie (Oldham) Whiteman married Russ and was welcomed with open arms into our family.

I wanted a different kind of eulogy for my dad, not just dates and numbers. That’s not him. I wanted people to read this and learn what a pillar of strength he was. A force of nature when it came to making decisions about his son’s health and well-being. My rock when I literally couldn’t function at a point in my life. My Mother’s husband, love, and the whole world. My husband’s role model on how to be a father. My children’s mentor and supporter. My grandchildren’s (Papa).

My name is Elizabeth Susan (Whiteman) Washburn. My Dad was my world and my hero. I don’t know how we are going to live without him. Rest in Peace Dad. Hug Russ for Mom and me, it’s been a great life you’ve given us.

All our love, Frances and Beth ❤️