James "Mark" Whitaker

   James “Mark” Whitaker, age 65, passed away on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Born in Jackson, TN, on February 10, 1958, he was the first of four children born to Jim and Mickie Whitaker. He graduated from Jackson Central Merry High School in 1976. In 1983, Mark married Melissa Matlock, with whom he shared 25 years of his life. Together, they had three children: Kristen, Kelley, and J.

   Mark enjoyed hunting, the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. In 2008, he married Paula Jones. They split their time living between Reelfoot and Florida until Paula passed away in 2019. Mark spent the last few years of his life with a close friend.

   Mark is preceded in death by his father, Jim (deceased in 2008), his late wife, Paula (deceased in 2019), his nephew Joseph Pullium (deceased in 2021), and granddaughter, Maeve McClure (deceased in 2023).

   He is survived by his children: Kristen (Brian) Younger, Kelley (Alex) McClure, and J. (Shelby) Whitaker; his mother, Mickie McKenzie Whitaker; his siblings: Brad Whitaker, Carol (Jeff) Pullium, and Scot (Kelley) Whitaker; his former wife, Melissa Whitaker; and several nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

   Mark's surviving grandchildren are Pierce, Easton, and Liam Younger (Kristen), Elle and Lux McClure (Kelley), and Henry and Audrey Whitaker (J.).

SERVICE: A Memorial Service for Mark will be held on Friday, July 28, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Jackson, TN. Immediately following the memorial service, the church is providing a meal for the family and any friends who are able to stay.

   Visitation with the family will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the service time at 3:00 p.m.

The family has requested that memorial contributions be directed to American Heart Association, P. O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284. www.heart.org

Arrington Funeral Directors   148 W. University Parkway   Jackson, TN  38305

731-668-1111   arringtonfuneraldirectors.com

“Pre Planning Just Makes Sense” information:

https://www.arringtonfuneralgroup.com/plan-ahead/