James Slater Whitaker

Mr. James “Slater” Whitaker, age 66 a resident of Auburndale, Florida passed away Friday, May 1, 2020 at Lakeland Regional surrounded by his family. Mr. Whitaker was born August 5, 1953 in Constableville, New York to William and Dolores June (Maikranz) Whitaker. He was an Auburndale resident since 2016 coming from Utica, New York. He was a retired Maintenance Supervisor for the New York Department of Corrections for 25 years and also worked as a Barber for 15 years both in New York. James grew up in New York, he and his family spent summer’s in Lake Floodwood in the Adirondack having a wonderful time and enjoying the lake. He liked fishing, hunting, playing golf and spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother – William Whitaker, Jr. and sister – Lydia Flansburg. James is survived by his loving wife of 38 years – JoAnn Saponari Whitaker of Auburndale, Florida; 2 daughters – Danielle Hotz and her husband Nicholas of Albany, New York and Samantha Galliher and her husband Mathew of Clinton, New York; 2 brothers – Mark Whitaker of Whitesboro, New York and Michael Whitaker and his wife Beverly of Groveland, Florida; sister – Cheryl Webb of Kingston, New Hampshire; brother-in-law – John Saponari, Jr. and his wife Sharon of Sycamore, Illinois; sister-in-law – Shelly Whitaker of Poland, New York; 4 grandchildren – Cameron, Charlotte, Gwenyth & Elaina. There will be a celebration of James’s life at a later date. Arrangements By: Kersey Funeral Home, 108 Lake Stella Dr., Auburndale, FL. 33823 (863) 967-1167.