"BJ worked with me at Walmart. He always was like a mentor to everyone. I miss him very much "
In loving memory of
Billie "BJ" Jo White
March 19, 1965 - January 20, 2017
Billie Jo White, (BJ to his family and many friends), age 51, of Henderson, Iowa, passed away January 20, 2017 in Henderson.
Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at the Loess Hills Funeral Home in Malvern, IA. Inurnment will be in the Malvern Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at the funeral home in Malvern.
Memorials are directed to the family.
Billie Jo White, one of five children of Billie Laverne and Joanna Lou (Garrison) White, was born on March 19, 1965 in Red Oak, Iowa. He grew up near Malvern, Iowa and attended school in the Malvern School District. He was a "Class of 1983" graduate (Go Panthers!!) from the Malvern Community High School. BJ, as everyone knew him by, started his working career at the Casey's General Store in Malvern. From there he worked at the Manawa Wal-Mart in Council Bluffs at various positions before switching to a Wal-Mart in Omaha for awhile. BJ had been working as a security guard at the Ameristar Casino Hotel in Council Bluffs for the past two years, commuting from his Henderson, Iowa home.
BJ enjoyed dee-jaying and karaoke, photography, telling jokes to all who would listen, and riding his motorcycle. If anyone didn't know, he was a loyal and avid Miami Dolphins fan. BJ was a true "people" person who loved to make friends and kept in touch with his high school classmates. He was generous and kind and had a huge heart full of love for his family, nieces and nephews, and friends. BJ was a wonderful son, brother, uncle and a best friend any person could want.
Sadly, BJ lost his battle with colon cancer and peacefully passed away on January 20, 2017, at the age of 51 years, 10 months, and 1 day while staying at the home of his brother Byron in Henderson. He was preceded in death by both of his parents; his paternal and maternal grandparents; and by several aunts and uncles.
BJ is survived by his siblings, Donna Rieken and husband Leo of Council Bluffs, Kevin White and wife Brenda of Casa Grande, AZ, Byron White and wife Rhonda of Henderson, and Kelli Keiper of Grand Island, NE; 14 nieces and nephews; 15 great nieces and nephews; special friend Cindy Mastropietro of Council Bluffs and her children, Lindsey and Douglas Mastropietro; Julia McGrew of Glenwood, who's been like a mom to the family; aunts & uncles, Bettie McCunn of Indianola, IA, Jim White and wife Shirley of Omaha, NE, Pat Williams and husband Jack of Glenwood, IA, John White of Red Oak, Mary Jones and husband Robert of Red Oak, Wayne White and wife Ann of Elkhorn, IA, Charles White and wife Denise of Essex, IA, and Bonnie Stephens of McAllen, TX; numerous cousins; other relatives; and by many, many friends.
Tributes
"BJ made the world a better place for all of us. He was always quick with a joke and could make anyone laugh! Hold onto all of the happy memories, as that is what he would want all of us to do. God Bless you all! "
"BJ was a good man. He always had a smile on his face and was ready to help you if he could. I'll miss kidding with him at Ameristar. Bless you all. "
"Rest in Peace BJ. Your contagious smile, laughter, jokes and ability to make everyone smile on their worse day will be missed but will never be forgotten. I will not forget hearing you sing at karaoke but I know that you are singing with the angels and Heavenly Father. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends during this difficult time. You may be gone my friend, but you will never be forgotten!! "
"I didn't get to kno tho man very well but I have heard him sing at the junction what a wonderful man and great singer he will be missed dearly may he rip god bless bj and his family heaven just gained another angle god bless you all"
"So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers"
"BJ was a great guy who always seemed to be able to make you laugh. He will be missed. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. "
"We are saddened for your loss. BJ was our wedding-reception DJ nearly 30 years ago. We knew him as a kind, down-to-earth man. I know he will be missed."
"BJ was a wonderful man . My heart goes out to family. You had a heart of gold. You will be missed by many"
"To Bailey and Mason, You have so many good memories of your Uncle BJ, always keep them close to your heart so they will always bring a smile when you think of him. Love AG and UM"
"BJ was one in a million. He seemed to always have a heartfelt caring about others. A light certainly went out for us on earth but I have no doubt that he is brightening another realm."
"My prayers of peace and comfort right now and the days to come. My the Lord lift each of you in his arms and his holy spirit give to the comfort of his love."
"It was an honor to know BJ and to work with him at GOC in Malvern. Prayers to his family in this difficult time. "
"Many great memories! Prayers for the family. You were a huge blessing to so many. "
"Praying your memories will carry you through this journey. B.j. made us smile, laugh, and enjoy music. He will be missed."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Tom & Kari Abel"
"We were friends before we were family. BJ you will be missed!!!"
"Sending Deepest Sympathy to all of Bj Whites family.. May you find comfort in knowing you have Many caring Friends.."
"REST IN PEACE BJ"
"I will miss your sweetness and kindness. You have always been one of the best friends I could ever hope to have. You will forever be in my heart. "
"Words just can't express the loss of my lifelong friend. All I can say is that I have been and will always be his friend. I will forever miss him. May God's angels guide you to heaven to be at peace. "
"So many wonderful memories with BJ, he will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts! When they made him they broke the mold?
Love, Roger and Mary Greiner "
"Fly High my dear friend ! You will truely be missed by many. That fun loving spirit. Always making it so easy for many of us to laugh and smile. No matter what kinda day a person was having you could give it a change. I will always hold growing up knowing you as a great part of my life. Thoughts and prayers to your family as they start their healing process of you bring our angel. Love to all"
"Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the entire family. From Becky and Randy Jennings "
"REST IN PEACE BJ"