James B. Whitehead, age 69, of Dexter, MI, passed away on June 18, 2025, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital. He was born on November 24, 1955, in Grand Rapids, MI, the son of Loy and Joanne (Mackie) Whitehead.
Forty-four years ago, he met Joan K. (Bramble) on a blind date, and they married on August 2, 1980 in Marshall, MI.
James earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and dedicated 40 years of his career to Ford Motor Company. He enjoyed golfing and traveling, and especially enjoyed visiting many of the country’s National Parks. He found joy in spending time with his grandchildren and attending their many sporting events.
James was a handyman who could fix just about anything. He was the builder of treehouses, maker of hunting blinds, and the giver of tractor rides. If something needed doing, James was always there to help. He was new to the Catholic faith, and he was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea.
James is survived by his wife, Joan Whitehead; four children, Christy (Jeff) Lower, Marianne (Dan) Mutschler, Jim (Andrea) Whitehead, and Brad (Jayma) Whitehead; 13 grandchildren; his mother, Joanne Whitehead; as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. He was preceded in death by his father, Loy Whitehead, and a brother, Jesse Whitehead.
Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 23, 2025,11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, MI, with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. James will be laid to rest at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Marshall.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Fountain Clinic in Marshall, or the Flint Mission Project, make checks payable to St. Mary Catholic Church, put in Memo: Flint Mission.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
