It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, James Matthew Whoric, who peacefully left us on Jan. 22, 2025.

His memory will forever live in our hearts. Jim was born in Vanderbilt, PA, and grew up surrounded by his six siblings, who were his closest companions. After graduating, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He later earned a BS in Physics from Penn State University, and moved to Tullahoma, where he worked as an engineer for ARO, Inc. at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) on Arnold Air Force Base. There, he helped test aircraft and spacecraft in the wind tunnels that his division had helped develop. In Tullahoma, Jim met the love of his life, Betty Jo Keller Whoric, and they were married on Aug. 13, 1964. Their marriage spanned over 60 years, filled with love, devotion, and shared memories.

Jim had a deep passion for the outdoors and was an avid outdoorsman and conservationist. He spent countless hours hunting, fishing, tying flies, and always had a dog by his side. He also found great joy and fulfillment in his church, Wesley Heights United Methodist Church, where he served on various committees and, alongside Betty, made lifelong friends in their Sunday School class. Family meant the world to Jim. Along with Betty, he created a loving home and cherished their two daughters, Daphne Larkin and Jamie Lynch, as well as his beloved daughter-in-law, Stephanie McElvy. One of his greatest joys was being a grandfather to his grandsons, Dillon Lynch and Aidan Lynch, whom he loved deeply. Jim is survived by his daughters, Daphne Larkin (Stephanie) and Jamie Lynch; his grandsons, Dillon Lynch and Aidan Lynch; and three siblings: Joe Whoric, Cynthia Rath (Bill), and Lois McKee. He is also survived by nieces Jackie Rath Heffner, Kelly Wiersma, and nephews Bobby Peebles and Joe Whoric. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jo Whoric; his parents, Helen and Matthew Whoric; three siblings, Jack Whoric, Nancy Peebles (Bob), and Cheryl Kaplan; and his beloved dogs, Boots, Champ, Squire, and Beau. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Wesley Heights United Methodist Church in James Whoric’s honor, ensuring that his spirit of generosity continues to impact lives in his absence.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at noon at Wesley Heights United Methodist Church. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and honor the memory of a man who will be deeply missed. All who knew and loved Jim are welcome to join in honoring his memory.  Rest in peace, Dad. Your love, wisdom, and laughter will forever remain in our hearts.

Kilgore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Tullahoma News – Jan. 29. 2025