James Franklin Whidden
January 29, 1934 - November 12, 2009

                        




Life Legacy

WHIDDEN, JAMES “Frank”, age 75 of Sebring, FL, died Thursday, Nov 12, 2009 at his residence. He was born in Punta Rassa, FL to Henry Everett and Daisy Belle Whidden, on Jan. 29, 1934. A retired fighter pilot fro the U.S.A.F. In April 1974. Frank taught at Sebring High School from Jan. 1975 to Jan. 1995. A member of First Baptist Church, Sebring and a member of Friendship Keeper Sunday School Class. Frank enjoyed sailing, golfing and fishing with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Shirley of Sebring; three sons, James F. Whidden II and his wife, Diane), Melbourne, FL, Richard S. Whidden and his wife, Theresa, Sebring and Jerry T. Whidden and his wife, Sherri, Avon Park, FL; brother, Eddie Ray Whidden, Anniston, AL; sister, Helen Sternglanz, Grottos, VA; five grandchildren, Tania Stoner and husband Andy, Justin Whidden, Darren Whidden Paizley Whidden and Brooks Whidden. Three great grandchildren, Shelby Lee, Addison Kaye and Andrew Jake Stoner. Visitation 5-7 pm, Saturday at Morris Funeral Chapel. Services 2:00 pm, Sunday, at First Baptist Church. Condolences may be expressed at www.morrisfuneralchapel.com. In Lieu of flowers Memorials maybe made to Moffitt Cancer Center, Office of Development, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33613-9497 MORRIS FUNERAL CHAPEL, Sebring, FL

Facts

Born: January 29, 1934
Place of Birth: Punta Rassa, MS
Death: November 12, 2009
Place of Death: Sebring, FL
Occupation: Teacher
Hobbies: sailing, golfing and fishing
Organizations: First Baptist Church,
Sebring and Friendship Keeper Sunday School Class

Preceded In Death By

Henry Everett Whidden, Father
Daisy Belle Whidden, Mother

       Survived By

Shirley Whidden, Spouse
James F. (Diane) Whidden II, Son
Richard S. (Theresa) Whidden, Son
Jerry T. (Sherri) Whidden, Son
Eddie Ray Whidden, Brother
Helen Sternglanz, Sister
Tania (Andy) Stoner, Granddaughter
Justin Whidden, Grandson
Darren Whidden, Grandson
Paizley Whidden, Grandchild
Brooks Whidden, Grandchild
Shelby Lee, Great-Granddaughter
Addison Kaye, Great-Grandson
Andrew Jake Stoner, Great-Grandson

Life Story

The American Eagle
Posted: November 14, 2009

I was only really good at one thing back in my high school years and it was art. My favorite teacher was Mr. Whidden and when you hear the "truth will set you free", it truly does. Nothing means freedom like the American Bald Eagle. I did a project of an American Bald Eagle and gave it to Mr. Whidden. It was my way of saying thanks for allowing me to think.

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Guestbook

11/14/2009 - Stacy Smith
Jerry & Shirley I'm so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Your Dad & Husband had a wonderful life that you got to share. Take care.

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11/14/2009 - Chuck Schermerhorn
Mrs. Whidden, Jerry, and all, I have tried over the years to express over the years just how much three people have meant to me in my life; Mr. Whidden was one of the three. Sitting in his American History class for the first time I knew that he was someone that I could look to for the truth. I don't believe that the truth was that important to me then; until I heard Mr. Whidden. I was a project to say the least but what got me through and where I am today were the words and actions of three people and Mr. Whidden was one. In recent years, I've tried to stay in touch and as recently as Father's Day, I tried to let Mr. Whidden know that he was like a father to me. He left me a message that I will always have saved on my cell phone. To you, Whidden family, you got to be associated with a man that held life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as not only what some document said somewhere, but lived it. I will always love Mr. Whidden and appreciate how he tried to help guide me; especially when I needed it most. Chuck

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11/14/2009 - Fred and Pat Lee
If we are lucky enough in life to know and to have enjoyed good times with someone as special as Frank, then we have lived a fulfilled life. We will always remember our adventures on the ocean and cherish those special memories forever. Love, Fred and Pat

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11/14/2009 - Vickie Hews Daniels
Shirley, I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember the years next door to Frank at SHS, and the trip to the Keys. I am thankful to known such a wonderful and caring man as Frank. With my thoughts and prayers Vickie Hews Daniels

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11/15/2009 - Renee Beckman Marley
Such a loss. He was a great teacher and person.

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11/16/2009 - Linda Davis Hunt
I am so very sorry for your loss. I have wonderful memories of Mr. Whidden teaching me to sail, cooking spaghetti in your kitchen, sitting after dinner and talking about everything under the sun. I learned so much from him; he taught me my love of history. It is a cliche to say this; time heals all wounds. I have experienced this myself. Just know that he will be missed by many and live in our hearts forever. I will always remember that infectious smile. If there is anything you need (anyone in the family) just let me know and I will be there. All of my love and with great sorrow, Linda Hunt

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11/19/2009 - Charles Whidden
I am so sorry for your loss.

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11/19/2009 - Tami (Rennie) Wilson
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Whidden's passing. I never had him as a teacher, but I went on one of the Whidden's infamous sailing adventures and loved it! Memory of a lifetime.

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12/06/2009 - Betty Basulto
My condolences to the family. Want to let you know that i remember him dearly he was a great american government teacher. He truly cared about his students and help me a lot. I had no idea he has passed away until i logged in to my website to follow up with the class reunion. What a great loss. Mrs. will keep you in my prayers. I used to work in the office with you translating for the students that didn't speak english. hugs!

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12/11/2009 - SYLVIA (LOWE) MOORE MR. WHIDDEN WILL TRULY BE MISSED. HE WAS AN AWSOME TEACHER. GOD BLESS