James B. Whitson, 83, of Columbus, MS, passed away Friday, July 5, 2019, at Noland Hospital, Tuscaloosa, Al.  He was born March 19, 1936, in Vicksburg, MS, the son of the late James B. Whitson, Sr., and Catherine Marguerite Douat Whitson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sara Ann Vispi.

He is survived by his wife of almost 61 years, Mona, and his daughter Dr. Mary Kathryn Whitson (Maggie), and a nephew, Mike Vispi.  He is also survived by several much loved cousins, Shirley Barnes LaCoste, Cathy Barnes Downey, Ronnie Barnes, David Barnes, Johnny Barnes and Paul Barnes.

Jim married Mona Denley McClurg on Aug. 24, 1958, at Calvary Baptist Church, with the Reverend J. Harold Jones officiating.  They are the parents of one child.

Jim was a graduate of MSU in forestry and worked as a county forester in Clay county during the 60s and early 70s, then he worked as an administrator for the Florida Division of Forestry in the Tallahassee office until his retirement in 1998.  He was a talented woodworker and designed and built many lovely pieces of furniture for family and friends.  He restored antique cars, as well, and enjoyed many area car shows with his friends.

Jim was a very active volunteer for the Lowndes county Master Gardeners, and he enjoyed the friendships and exercise with the New Hope YMCA Silver Sneakers.

A private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Memorials may be made to Cedarhill Animal Sanctuary in Caledonia, MS.