James P. Whitbeck

02/18/2004

James P. Whitbeck, 73, of East Street died Wednesday at Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington shortly after being admitted. Born in Pittsfield on Nov. 23, 1930, son of Mervin and Victorine Hall Whitbeck, he was a lifelong resident of Mount Washington. He attended a one-room school house in Mount Washington until its closing and later was a 1949 graduate of Roe Jan School in Hillsdale, N.Y. Mr. Whitbeck enlisted with the Army during the Korean War. He received the Korean Service Medal with four bronze stars and was a recipient of the United Nations Service Meritorious Unit Commendation. He was a life member of the James A. Modolo VFW Post 8348 in Great Barrington. Mr. Whitbeck served as town constable of Mount Washington for many years. He owned and operated his own construction and caretaking business and at one time was park superintendent of Mount Everett Reservation and worked with the Massachusetts Highway Department. An outdoorsman, Mr. Whitbeck enjoyed deer hunting. He was also a third-generation rattlesnake hunter. He leaves his wife, the former Margaret "Peggy" Quick, with whom he would have celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on March 21; two sons, Dale Whitbeck of Plymouth and David Whitbeck of Great Barrington; a daughter, Linda Beckwith of Mount Washington; two sisters, Mary Stuart Robertson of Lakeville, Conn., and Betsy Garrett of Mount Washington, and four grandchildren. FUNERAL NOTICE -- James was a generous family man who enjoyed being with his grandchildren and was also a good neighbor and friend to many. He also leaves his daughters-in-law, Roxanne and Kathy, and his son-in-law, Jimmy Beckwith, along with four grandchildren, Nicholas and Andrew Whitbeck, Henry and Sarah Beckwith. Family and friends are invited to the services on Monday, Feb. 23, conducted by the Rev. John Hay at 11 at FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME in Great Barrington. The family will receive family and friends on Sunday, Feb. 22, from 2 to 5 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, those who desire may make a contribution in Jim's memory to the South Egremont Fire Department through the funeral home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Remembrances, memories and reflections may be sent to the family through www.finnertyandstevensfuneralhome.com .

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