Posted on 02/13/2018
James J. Whetton passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, January 19, 2018 of natural causes at the age of 96. He was born in Ogden, Utah on March 13, 1921. He graduated from Ogden High School and attended Weber College before receiving his appointment to the Naval Academy in 1941. In June of 1944, Jim graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in Engineering. On June 8, 1944 he married his sweetheart and eternal companion, Marian Bader. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Ogden Temple on May 4, 1990. Jim served his country in the Pacific conflict during World War II and later in the Korean conflict, thus began a long life of service and devotion to family, country and community. Together he and Marian raised five children: Frances (Barry) Sneddon of Hollister, CA, James L. Whetton of Las Vegas, NV, Alan (Kathy) Whetton of North Ogden, Leslie (Doug) Hammer of Farr West and Mark (Susan) Whetton of Plain City. They have 22 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren with 2 on the way and 1 great-great grandchild. Jim owned and operated Jim Whetton Buick in Ogden for over 30 years. He also spent time working directly with Howard Hughes in Los Angeles and later as General Manger of the Desert Inn in Las Vegas, NV. He served his community as President of the Ogden Chamber of Commerce, President of the Utah Automobile Dealers Association, Chairman of the Board of McKay Dee Hospital and President of the Ogden Golf and Country Club. He was inducted into the Utah Automobile Dealers Hall of Fame and was the recipient of the Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award. When he wasn't working or serving, he loved spending time with his family, Fishing at Island Park with the grandkids and epic Sunday dinners were his favorites. He was an avid golfer and loved woodworking projects in his shop. He also had time to co-author a book entitled, We Knew Howard Hughes. Throughout their 73 years of marriage Jim and Marian's love and devotion to each other, to family, friends and community is a beautiful example of a life well lived. He is survived by his Wife, Children, Grandchildren and a Brother Russell Whetton (Helyn). He was preceded in death by his Parents and Siblings: Catherine Whetton, Lucille Whetton Tuttle, Gary B. Whetton; Grandchildren Lisa Marie Hammer and Tanden Mark Whetton. Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 26, 2018 at 11:00a.m. at the Pleasant View 9th Ward 250 West Elberta Drive, Pleasant View, UT. A viewing will be held at the Church Thursday Evening from 6:00-8:00p.m. and Friday Morning from 9:30a.m.-10:30a.m. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park, Ogden, UT where Military Honors will be accorded. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the James Whetton Memorial Fund at America First Credit Union. Cemetery Details Evergreen Memorial Park 100 Monroe Ogden, UT.
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