James Gordon Withers, Jr., 88, of Vero Beach, FL died Thursday, May 15, 2008 at Indian River Estates, in Vero Beach.
Mr. Withers was born January 22, 1920 in Grafton, West Virginia and moved to Ft. Pierce, FL in 1981 from Alabama before moving to Vero Beach.
He attended Fairmont State College for two years and transferred to West Virginia University where he earned a Bachelors and Masters degree in Chemical Engineering and was inducted into Tau Beta Pi. During World War II he served in the Air Force.
His career in Research and Development with Merck, C.F. Braun, Consolidation Coal and Wolverine Tube provided interesting, challenging work . He was awarded several patents.
He was a devout Christian and an active member of Presbyterian churches where he served as deacon, elder, Sunday school teacher and on many committees.
Music was an important part of Jim's life and he earned his way through college playing saxaphone and clarinet in dance bands. After he retired he taught himself to play the flute and played in the Port ST. Lucie concert band. Tennis also played a big part in Jim's life and he delighted in saying that he played tennis for 50 years (from age 30 to 80 ).
Jim retired from Wolverine Tube in Alabama and in 1981 moved to Fort Pierce ,Florida. He was one of the founders of the Alliance for the Mentally Ill of St. Lucie County. Jim was always affable and was a loving husband , father, and friend .
He was predeceased by his brother and sister and son, Dana Leigh Withers.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Ernestine (Tina); son Eric of Fort Pierce;daughter Susan Sheridan and her husband Brian of Ishpeming Michigan; three grandchildren, Kathleen, Amanda and Leah Sheridan and one great grandson, Eli.
Services: The family will receive friends 2-3 PM, Sunday at Ford Funeral Home in Grafton, WV followed by a funeral service at 3PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to Indian River Presbyterian Church, 2499 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce Florida, 34982 or to the charity of choice.