James D. Whitten, 72, died May 1, 2011, at home.
Jim was born on Sept. 17, 1938, in Hartford, Conn., and lived in Suffield, Conn., for many years before coming to Vero Beach in 1990.
Before retiring, he was a partner in Whale Securities, a financial firm based in NYC.
He was active in Connecticut politics, being chairman of the Suffield Republican Town Committee for 15 years.
He was appointed by Gov. Tom Meskill as the first chairman of the State of Connecticut’s Commission on Hospitals and Health Care.
His agency was instrumental in implementing the first hospice program in the country.
Whitten was a charter member of the Suffield Jaycees, a member of Suffield’s Rotary Club and a member in good standing in the Vero Beach Elks Lodge 1774.
Whitten was a lover of books, art and ideas.
He was especially fond of both wine and travel, sharing these passions with his wife and family.
A quote from a friend: “Jim was a man of principles and values. He stood firmly behind what he believed in, and did so with courage and honor.”
Survivors include his wife Nancy of 48 years; son Jim and his wife Christa; daughter Amy Jean; his mother Malvina R. Whitten; and sisters Sandra and Gail, along with their families.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Henry Whitten.
There will be a memorial service at the Vero Beach Elks Lodge on Thursday, May 5th at 4 p.m.
Further graveside services will be held in Connecticut at a date to be determined by the family.
In lieu of flowers, please send gifts in memory of Jim to the American Heart Assoc.