Obituary of James Francis Whitelaw

James (Jim) F. Whitelaw, 92, of Bloomingdale, NY died Saturday, July 3rd at Mercy Living Center in Tupper Lake, after a long illness. Jim was born in New York City to Mark and Stella (DeForge) Whitelaw. The family moved to Saranac Lake where, Jim grew up and graduated from Saranac Lake High School. He joined the United States Amy and served in Japan during the Korean conflict. Jim retired as Superintendent of buildings and grounds from Trudeau Institute, after 42 years in 1991. He was also the caretaker for the C.C. Harris Camp on Lower Saranac Lake. Jim was a fishing legend and was featured in outdoor articles by Dennis Aprill, who also put Jim in one of his books. Jim was an extremely skilled carpenter, capable of building or fixing nearly anything. He oversaw the construction of the current Trudeau Institute in the '60's and he built his first family home on Elm Street. In 1958, Jim married Ramonita Rodriguez of Long Island, after meeting her at Ray Brook Hospital, where she was being treated for Tuberculosis. They had one son, Francis (Tiger), of Bloomingdale. Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ramonita (Mona) and his son, Francis Whitelaw and his wife Donna. He has one living sibling and several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Stella and Mark, his sisters, Lucille DeForge and Jeanette LaPierre, and his brothers, Raymond Whitelaw of Saranac Lake and Richard Whitelaw of Parish, NY. Arrangements are in the care of M.B. Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid. At Jim's request, there will be no calling hours or services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Saranac Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad. Relatives and friends are invited to share a memory, upload a photograph or leave condolences for the Whitelaw family at www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com .