BARBERTON---My precious husband, Blaine J. Whitaker, 78, went home to his Lord and Savior on July 12, 2016. Survivors include myself, Joan, his loving wife of 59 years, our sons James and Thomas of Barberton and our daughter and son-in-law Linda and Nicholas Smith of Florida. Jim loved his grandchildren dearly; Jennifer Smith, Melissa Sowa, Alison Smith, Jessica Fornek, Michael Whitaker, Tommy Paul Whitaker and Sarah Whitaker. He will be missed by his sisters, Carol Larsen and Susan Hatfield and his brother John Whitaker all of Florida. After retiring from the Engineering Lab at Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, Jim Enjoyed tending his small fruit orchard, picking apples and making cider to give to family and friends. He made over 5000 gallons of cider from the trees on our small city lot. He was a fantastic cook and his homemade ice cream was always a hit at parties. Using his expert mechanical skills and experience as a private pilot, he built a Rotor-Way helicopter and learned to fly it. Perhaps you saw him going to car shows in his 1974 Excalibur Roadster. Jim loved his church family dearly so in lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Norton Community Church of the Nazarene. Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Monday, July 18, 2016 at Norton Community Church of the Nazarene, 1177 Norton Ave, Norton. Pastor Joseph J. Frank officiating. Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery. Calling Hours Sunday from 4-7 P.M. at the SILVA-HOSTETLER FUNERAL HOME, 1199 Wooster Rd. West, Barberton.

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