James Edwin Whitehead

James Edwin Whitehead, 90, peacefully left our presence on December 4, 2017. Born in 1927 in Coffeyville, KS, his mother moved to Wichita when Jim was young. After trying to join the military at age 16, Jim left East High School to join the U.S. Navy at age 17. He served in the South Pacific and then returned to Wichita to help his step-father in the family business. Jim operated Fortney Tile and Flooring for over 65 years. Preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis J. Whitehead; and later by his companion, Carol Hudson. Survived by his adult children, Laura A. Nagy (Jim), Broc E. Whitehead (Belinda), Bret A. Whitehead (Vivian Jewell); sisters, Marilyn Wade (Pat), Sarah Stuchlik (Monty); brother, Kenneth Fortney; sister-in-law, Maryanne Webb; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and seventeen nephews and nieces. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 9, 2017, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. The family especially wants to thank Dr. Scott Hane and the doctors and wonderful nursing staff at Wesley Medical Center for their kind and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to: Boy Scouts of America - Quivira Council, 3247 N. Oliver, Wichita, KS 67220; or Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67219.