James Minor Whitehead

James Minor “Jim” Whitehead of Clemmons, NC passed away on Friday, May 26, 2023 at the age of 83. Jim had lived with Parkinson’s Disease since 2013. He died at Botangas Garden of Bermuda Village in Bermuda Run, NC.

Jim was born in Randolph County, NC on January 29, 1940 to Dewey Esau Whitehead and Cora Minor Whitehead. He was a graduate of Ramseur High School, Mars Hill Junior College and NC State University.

He trained as an electrical engineer and worked as a mechanical engineer at RJR Tobacco Company for 30 years. He qualified as a Professional Engineer in 1977. Jim used his skills as an engineer in his home and the homes of his children with innumerable projects to make, build, fix, install and maintain. When he was not able to do the work himself, he was a valued project consultant.

Jim had an interest in plants that led to the creation of JSR Nursery. He shared that love of plants and gardening with his wife Sue. When he was a teenager Jim learned about beekeeping. He revived that hobby as an adult. These were interests he shared with his children in different ways and his knowledge and experience were sought and valued.

Another activity Jim started as a teen was scouting.  As an adult he worked with Troop 718 at Ardmore Baptist Church for 25 years. Scouting was an activity he shared with his son Reid. A family memory is visiting Scout Camp one evening each summer where we would enjoy eating cobbler made over a campfire. Jim was also a Mason with Advance Lodge 710 A.F. & A.M. Other hobbies included reading, fishing and woodworking.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and numerous aunts and uncles that played a significant role in his life. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Sue; his son Reid Owen Whitehead (Debbie) of Canton, NC and two daughters Ruth Ann Gagliardi (John) of Salisbury, NC and Shannon Whitehead Hall (Jeff) of Greenville, NC; two grandsons Benjamin James Hall and Graham Jeffrey Hall of Greenville, NC and a granddaughter Hannah Marie Whitehead of Canton, NC.

A memorial service will be held at Ardmore Baptist Church, 501 Miller Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 on Saturday, June 17 at 2 pm, visitation to follow.

People wishing to honor Jim’s memory can make donations to Ardmore Baptist Church, 501 Miller Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

Jim had a favorite Bible verse that he tried to live by: Be watchful, stand firm, act like men, be strong.  Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16: 13-14 ESV