J. Edward Whisman

James Edward Whisman, Sr., "Ed", passed away Wednesday, May 11, 2022. He was born October 4, 1922, in Sugar Grove, VA son of the late William Jacob and Nannie Mae (Bonham) Whisman.

Because of an early childhood accident, Ed wasn't able defend his country on the front lines. This led him down a more industrious path, contributing to his community and our country in a number of ways. Described as a 'jack of all trades', he worked in the coal mines of Virginia, welded ships in Baltimore to support the war effort, worked on the lines of a hosiery mill, and eventually became an engineer at Brunswick where he settled for over 20 years. Ed was innovative far beyond his years, earning awards for his efficiency and intuitive nature.

Brunswick led the family of four to Michigan in 1960. Once there, Ed and Nancy welcomed two more boys.

After his time at Brunswick, Ed traveled to Elkhart to work for Domore as a traffic manager. After early mornings and long work hours, Ed never made time for himself. He spent most of his time creating and inventing, all in an effort to keep his family moving forward. He could fix anything and turn the most ordinary items into functional pieces. He may have been the inspiration for MacGuyver although that's never quite been confirmed.

Even though he raised four boys on limited time and salary, he always found ways to give. Ed was a member of First United Methodist Church of Portage. He was actively involved in the annual Easter Breakfast, never finding time to sit and enjoy the meal he worked so hard to prepare for others.

After retirement, he spent his time hunting, fishing, and doting on the love of his life of 39 years. Through Nancy's illness, he never left her side. After her passing, each moment was invested in the little things life had to offer. Mornings were spent with the Breakfast Bunch as the McDonald's in Schoolcraft, and time spent with neighbors and family at his favorite restaurants brought him joy.

On August 31, 1956, he married the former Nancy Pafford who preceded him in death on June 4, 1995. Ed was also preceded in death by a son, J. Edward Whisman, Jr., and sister Edith Roberts.

Ed is survived by his sister Jeanette Hutton of Sugar Grove, VA, sons, William (Michele) Whisman of Vicksburg, MI, Joseph (Adah) Whisman of Schoolcraft, MI, and Daniel Whisman of Grand Haven, MI; daughter-in-law, Tammy Whisman of Portage; grandchildren, Wyatt Whisman (Emily), Taylor Whisman (David Sjoquist), Daniel Whisman (Jen Bifford), Adrienne Whisman, Tyler Whisman, Charles Whisman, Pierce William Whisman; great-granddaughter, Fiona Bifford; and many nieces and nephews..

Ed's family will receive guests from 4-6 pm Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9th St, Kalamazoo MI 49009, where a brief memorial service will begin at 6pm. Private placement of cremated remains will take place in Hope Cemetery, Texas Township. In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to SPCA of Southwest Michigan or the American Cancer Society. To view Ed's personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com