John Erwin Whitham, 89, of Vernon CT and previously long-time resident of Bolton CT, passed away on June 19, 2026. He was born on August 27th, 1936 in Harford CT, the youngest of five children to the late Erwin William and Frances Johanna (Wolf) Whitham. John was predeceased by his high school sweetheart and wife Sally-Ann Zawistowski Whitham; son Stephen Erwin Whitham; brothers George Whitham and his wife Dolly, Richard Whitham and his wife Gertie; sisters Virginia Andrew and husband Leslie, and Betty Jane Messier and husband Wilbur.

John, best known to his family and closest friends as Jack, grew up in Manchester CT, attended local schools and graduated from Manchester High School in 1954. Following high school, he attended the University of Connecticut, College of Agriculture, with a BS degree in Plant Science. He was a member of Gamma Sigma Delta, an honorary agricultural fraternity. He also studied Military Science and was a cadet colonel, the highest-ranking cadet as a member of the ROTC program, graduating in 1958. He was commissioned as 2nd lieutenant in the Regular Army and served with the 2nd Armored Rifle Battalion, 52nd Infantry, 3rd Armored Division in Germany. Jack was extremely proud of being a US Army Ranger.

Upon leaving active duty in 1961, he started Whitham Nursery in Bolton CT, and joined the CT Army National Guard which he served in for 8 years. His final assignment was commander of the 135th Military Police Company in Rockville CT.

Jack was not a man to sit still. He became very active in several organizations: past president of the CT Nurserymen’s Association, a charter member and past president of the Bolton Lions Club, past president and founding director of the University of Connecticut College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Alumni Association. In 1990 he received the Connecticut Nurserymen’s Association Award of Merit. In 2003 he received the University of Connecticut College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Distinguished Alumni Award.

Jack cherished his memories of his time spent with Sally and their growing family at their previously owned 2nd home on Cape Cod in Harwichport, MA. They were avid golfers and he loved to brag about Sally being the better golfer, and how she always beat him! They enjoyed traveling to distant countries and began each morning at breakfast with a dice game of Zilch to start their day. His absolute favorite pastime was working outdoors planting, landscaping, and maintaining shrubs, trees, and flowers. He once stated that he loved the scent of fresh soil and the feeling of it running through his fingers. He took pride in being available to family and friends with any advice or assistance he could give to maintain their own yards and landscape.

Jack was much loved and adored by each of his grandchildren. They will be forever grateful for the character-building lessons and work ethic he instilled in them. He was their greatest role model and mentor in life.

Jack is survived by his daughter Tina Whitham of Vernon CT; his grandchildren Matthew Ryba and wife Julie of Astoria NY, Kaitlyn Cram and husband Peter (Skip) of Bolton CT, Dyana Childree and husband Anthony of Tolland CT, Luke Ryba of Honolulu HI, Shannon (Ever) Whitham of Tulsa OK, Seth Whitham and wife Kymmee of Tulsa OK; his ten great-grandchildren Maranatha, John Thomas Erwin, Nathaniel, Tessa, Natalie, Julian, Caleb, Zoe, Arabella, and Amelia, as well as a multitude of nieces, nephews, and their families.

Jack loved and respected all people, and all people loved and respected Jack. He was a man of integrity and his friends and acquaintances are as numerous as the stars. He will surely be missed by all and his legacy will live on in many hearts.

Calling Hours will be held on Monday, July 6th, 2026 at Holmes Watkins Funeral Home, located at 400 Main Street, Manchester CT from 4pm till 7pm. A Funeral Home Service will take place on Tuesday, July 7th at Holmes Watkins Funeral Home, located at 400 Main Street, Manchester CT, followed by burial for both John and Sally-Ann at St. John’s Polish National Catholic Cemetery located on Jefferson Street, Manchester CT 06040.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in honor of John E. Whitham to the Connecticut Nurserymen’s Foundation c/o James Messier 16 Lynn Drive, Vernon CT 06066. Phone: 860-729-2433 or click here to donate https://www.cnla.biz/about/connecticut-nurserymens-foundation/ To leave a condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com