"I have the fondest memories of Whit's big smile and big heart.To Nancy and Robert, you should be so proud to have raised such a wonderful young man. The world is truly a little colder without him. "
In loving memory of
Jonathan 'Whit' Whitacre
Jonathan "Whit" Whitacre, age 28, passed away July 18th, 2013 doing what it was he loved best - flying. Whit was a young man, but he had already lived a full, adventurous life in his 28 years. He grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana and attended Cathedral High School and Culver Military Academy to play hockey. Following high school, Whit played Junior A Hockey in the NAHL in Billings, Montana for the Billings Bulls, and in the EJHL in New Jersey for the New Jersey Hitmen. In 2006 he returned to the Midwest to play goalie at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where his Division I hockey team finished 2nd in the Frozen Four NCAA tournament. He graduated from Miami in 2010 with a degree in Psychology. Whit's love for hockey was rivaled only by his love for all things military, including flying. His deep love of airplanes was fostered by his grandfather, Edward Robinson, who flew B-17s in WWII and earned a Purple Heart. Whit knew from a young age he wanted to be involved with the military, and he joined the Marines in the Aviation Officer Training Program until sidelined by a knee injury. Following this, he attended Flight Safety in Vero Beach, where he earned his Commercial Pilot's license, and VFR and IFR certifications. During the past two months, Whit had found his true passion by training as an Agricultural Pilot to complete his certificate to become a crop dusting pilot. Whit was a passionate, loyal and loving young man who loved the outdoors, his country and his family. His unexpected loss is devastating to all who knew and loved him - the number of which is too great to count.
Whit is survived by his mother and father, Nancy and Robert Whitacre; brother, Rob Whitacre, and wife, EJ; brother Jay Whitacre, and wife, Jenny; sister Elizabeth (Whitacre) Feldmann, and husband, Derrick; five nieces and one nephew; grandmother Mary Lou Robinson; loving aunts, uncles and cousins; and girlfriend Kimberly Lange.
A service will be held at St. Luke's United Methodist Church on Wednesday, July 24th, 2013 at 2:00 p.m, with a calling at the church beforehand from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests for memorials to be made to the Miami University Hockey Program. Please send donations in memory of Jonathan Whitacre to Miami University Foundation, 230 Millett Hall, Oxford, OH 45056. Leppert Mortuary & Crematory, Nora Chapel has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. If you would like to sign the online guest book or send condolences to Whit's family you may do so by visiting www.leppertmortuary.com .
Tributes
"Mr. and Mrs. Whitacre and family, In the early morning hours of July 18,2013 the world lost two exceptionally talented and extraordinary men. Together, and from the vantage point reserved for only aviators, they witnessed the miracle of the sun rising over the horizon for the last time. In this time of unfathomable tragedy we mourn your loss as well as our own. Most Sincerely, Mark S. Collins son of Clarence "Ed" Collins "
"We were so sad to hear of your loss. We loved Whit like a son & a brother to John. He lived with us for one hockey season when he played for the NJ Hitmen & he gave us so much joy. His smile would light up the room. We will miss him. Our thoughts, prayers, & love are with you at this time. Joanne & John perrotta"
"My deepest condolences to Nancy, Robert and the Whitcare Family. No words can comfort you on the loss of your dear son and brother Whit. May happy memories sustain you through your grief and may you find comfort and strength through God during this distressing time. (Psalms 46:1)"
"Offering my deepest condolences to the Whitacre family for the loss of your dear loved one. May your treasured memories and the drawing ever closer to GOD in prayer help begin to bring you comfort during this most difficult time of sorrow. (2Cor1:3,4) (Rev21:4)"
"May you accept our heartfelt condolences over your loss. We pray that God's mercy soothe your hearts and hold Whit's soul in the grace and love of the Lord."
"Nancy and family, I am so sorry for your loss and am sending my love and prayers."
"Dear Whitacre Family, We are deeply saddened by your sudden loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
"Nancy and Bob - I'm thinking about you so strongly and am so sorry. "
"Bob and family, We are saddened by the news of Jonathan's death -- so promising a young man. This life is too often a vale of tears. However, we pray that in your suffering you will find the hope that only our Lord can give. Chad and Kimberly Davis"
"Whitacre's- My heart goes out to you today. Words cannot express the sadness I feel for the loss of Johno. You are a family like no other. I love you all so very dearly. One memory that really sticks with me about Johno was back in my college days with Jay in Indy. I would come over to your house for dinner and Johno and I would be upstairs tying flies. I can remember showing him how to tie dry flies and streamers. It brings a smile to my face and a tear down my eye. He will be missed. Loving all of you always. Dan and Jen Robinson"
"Words cannot express the sorrow that I share with you on this absolutely tragic loss. I can only hope that we share the same wonderful thoughts on Jonathon's life, as it was an absolute pleasure to know him. Please accept my and my family's deepest condolences. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers."
"Bob & Nancy, Words cannot begin to express our feelings for you at this time. You are certainly in our prayers. Take care, Denny & Cindy. "
"Bob & Nancy & Family, I am so sorry for your sudden loss of Whit. I pray that you may find joy and peace in celebrating and reflecting on his life. And may you find strength in your faith and in The Lord at this time and always. We cannot understand God's plan, we must somehow trust. I pray for this for you. Darrin"
"Nancy and family, We send prayers for all of you as you deal with this unexpected tragedy. From comments of others and his proud grandmother, he was a remarkable young man. Hopefully the memories will help sustain you ."
"Nancy & family, I am so sorry for the loss of your son, brother,uncle. His tribute was amazing what a loving, inspirational young man. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Susan Shuman Hughes "
"I am so sorry for your loss but what a great tribute. Sending hugs."
"We are so saddened to hear about the tragic accident that took your "Whit". Our thoughts are with you. Love, Mike and Judy"
"I am so sorry to hear of your loss. God be with you."
"Nancy and family, I am so sorry for your loss! Please know that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers."
"Nancy and family- I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. He sounds like he was a remarkable young man. "
"While we cannot fathom the depth of your sadness at this time, we are sharing in your grief and loss of such a wonderful young man and fine son. Our love and prayers are with you. We know that God will guide you through the healing process. He will take good care of Jon and your family."
"Dear Bob, Nancy and family, Simple words cannot nearly express the sorrow I feel for your loss. Whit was a remarkable young man. Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers. "
"Dear Whitacre Family, I was so sad to hear of Whit's passing. I had Jonathan as a second grader. Although he was listed as Jonathan on my roster, I quickly learned that "Whit" was his preferred name! He entered my room every day with a huge smile and was happiest when he could tell me about playing hockey. Whit was one of those rare gems that a teacher never forgets. He will forever be in my heart. My prayers go out to the entire Whitacre family and to all of his friends."
"Bob, I am so saddened by your loss. Your family is in my prayers. What a beautiful life cut short but what joy you must have in the memories. "
"Dear Whitacre Family You are all in our prayers during this sudden loss. Please know that we will have you in our prayers. Ron and Mary Grumbacher"
"Dear Bob and Nancy and the entire family, We are so very sorry for this tragic loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Barb and Mike"
"My dad is a private pilot and Jon and I would talk about flying while he attended Miami. Boy did Jon love airplanes. He got a kick out of when I told him I took one flying lesson in high school and was too chicken to take any more lessons. I actually briefly got to know Jon before Miami, when he was a part of the little known Columbus Stars Junior B team. I am a freelance photographer who covers Miami hockey, and I have forwarded on the photos I have of taken of Jon to the Miami hockey staff in hopes that they make their way towards you. He was a great guy and truly embraced what it means to be as a part of The Brotherhood. Sending my condolences to you all. -Rachel"
"Whitacre Family, I am very sorry for your loss. I spent many afternoons in the Miami locker room with Whit. Jon was a caring teammate, a passionate friend, and always put a smile on my face. Whit had the ability to make you feel like your wildest dreams were obtainable. Jon lived his life chasing down his dreams, and I will carry Jon's message in my heart. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. "
"Bob, Nancy, and family and Kim. I can not imagine the tragic loss you feel of your adored son, brother, and boyfriend. Hopefully, you will find some comfort that only God can give in times like this. My heart aches for all of you. Jennifer Porter"
"Whit, Sally and I wanted to let you know that you and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers. We have no idea how you must feel but we wanted you to know that we love you very much and we are here for you if we can help in any way. May God bless your entire family and help you through this difficult time. Steve and Sally Springer"
"Whitacre Family- My heart goes out for your loss. Jon was an amazing person and I consider myself lucky to have known him as long as I have. He always had a smile on his face and knew how to brighten a room. He will be missed by many. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. -Brian Kaufman"
"To Kristi's wonderful friends Biz & EJ and their families we extend our deepest sympathies & love for the loss of "Whit." Our thoughts & prayers are with you all."
"Dear Whiticare Family- We are still in shock, about learning of dear Whit's passing. John & Whit have been best friends for 23 years...life will not be the same without him...we send our sympathy and loving thoughts to your family."