Obituary: James Albert Whitney, 72

Byles Funeral Home

WATERFORD, CT - James Albert Whitney, 72 of Waterford died Saturday April 11, 2020 at Bayview in Waterford.

Jim was born August 17, 1947 in New London to Charles and Virginia Gangell Whitney. He married Neale Belgrade, she survives him.

Jim obtained his Associates Degree from Eastern Connecticut State College. Jim worked as a manufacturing engineer. Jim loved to keep active. On land he would go for a run and on the waters he would fish and kayak. He was a woodworker and builder of furniture and dulcimers. A gift especially treasured by Neale, was that he loved to cook. He was great at it too. While traveling he would absorb delights from the areas his visited.

He was a gifted poet, musician and composer. There wasn't an instrument he could not master. The great composer Victor Norman referred to Jim as "One of his most talented students".
Besides his wife Neale, he is survived by two sisters Sally Mallory and Susan Ford. He was the loving Uncle for two generations of nieces and nephews and was a favorite of his wife's family. He was preceded in death by his sister Jean Watson.

A private graveside service was held at Ohave Sholem Cemetery in Waterford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim's memory to his beloved teacher's Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra.