James R. Whitehurst

JAMES ROBERT “JIM” WHITEHURST, of Bel Air died on March 8, 2005 at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air. He was 71.

Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Rev. Guion Gladstone and Rhea Marie Gardiner Whitehurst.

Mr. Whitehurst was a 1951 graduate of the then new Bel Air High School’s first graduating class. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1955 and a Master’s degree in 1960 from Western Maryland College and taught social studies for his entire 31 ½ year career at Bel Air High School from 1956-1986. While at Bel Air, he coached basketball, football, track and field, and cross country teams for many years.

For 39 summers, Mr. Whitehurst was involved in the American Camping Association while working at Camp Clark, New Bedford, MA; Camp Lawrence at Lake Winnipesaukee, NH; and most recently at Camp Shohola in Greeley, PA as assistant director.

A member of Bel Air United Methodist Church since 1949, he served the church and volunteered in the Bel Air community in a variety of capacities. His favorite activity in retirement was the collection of authentic political memorabilia.

Mr. Whitehurst was predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Harriett C. Whitehurst. Survivors include one son, James P. Whitehurst and his wife, Karen of Forest Hill; his daughter Kristin E. Whitehurst and her husband, Todd Keenan of Elmhurst, Illinois; sister-in-law, Shirley M. Whitehurst of Parkton; grandsons, James J. Whitehurst, of Forest Hill; Jonathan A. Keenan of Elmhurst, IL; and granddaughter, Katherine E. Keenan of Elmhurst, IL; many nieces and nephews; and a friend, Patti Brazier of Fallston.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by one brother, D. Keith Whitehurst.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Jim Whitehurst Athletic Scholarship Fund, c/o Bel Air High School, 100 Heighe Street, Bel Air, MD 21014 or to the Camp Shohola Scholarship Fund, c/o Marc Roth, 43 Hickory Lane, Doylestown, PA 1891.