James "Jim" E. Whidden

James E. Whidden, age 89, of Cocoa, Florida passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 3, 2025. 

Known affectionally by his friends and family as “Jim,” he was born on Dec 18, 1935, in Tice, Florida to Marvin Thomas Whidden and Marietha Amanda (Lamb)Whidden. One of four sons, he grew up and spent his early years in Sarasota, Florida. After graduating from Sarasota High School, he honorably served in the 60th infantry of the U.S. Army as one of the last band of soldiers to train in Germany during the tail end of WW2. 

Jim moved to Cocoa Florida in 1966 and bought the Byrd Plaza Barber Shop where he and his beloved wife, Geraldine “Gerry” Landers served many loyal customers for over 40 years.

Jim believed it was every human being’s obligation to abide by the simple principles of honesty and decency. Jim approached life with an outlook of honesty and being a man of his word. His principles were tested throughout his life, showing grace and compassion to all. He thought of himself as a simple man, but to his children and friends he was a rare and exceptional human being. For many years Jim volunteered his Wednesdays at a local nursing home, providing free haircuts to all who wanted or needed one. Upon his arrival, he could always count on a line of residents eagerly waiting for him. Many of the residents did not need a haircut, they simply loved chatting with him and knew he cared about them. He was also an advocate of blood donation and was a regular blood donor, donating many gallons over the course of his life. Jim was a dog-lover and had many companion dogs over the years. He was a member of the American Legion, Indian River Post 22 in Cocoa, FL and in his later years, he enjoyed spending his afternoons there with friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Geraldine, his brother Jack, and grandson Thomas.

He is survived by his two brothers, Warren Whidden (Sharon) and Edward Whidden(Cindi), five children, Leslie Bergquist(Clay), AmandaWhidden (Matthew), Linda Landers, Susan Duemer (Steve), Thomas Landers, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 9th at 2:00 PM at the American Legion Indian River Post 22, 241 Peachtree St, Cocoa FL.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.