Whiteman, James

James Whiteman

Services: Have been held.

James Ridgley Whiteman, 93, of Clovis, a carpenter, entertainer and artist, died Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2003, at Laurel Plains Nursing Home in Clovis.

He was born on Jan. 15, 1910, in Portales, to Levi J. and Katherine Greathouse Whiteman.

He graduated from Clovis High School in 1928. He married Rachel Merie McCarty on Aug. 25, 1935. He married Edna Lampman “Falling Leaf” of Oklahoma, then Thelma Crume Green. He was a carpenter by trade, but being part Indian, his primary interst was Indian lore. In the late 1930’s he was one of the 162 artist-craftsmen selected from New Mexico to work in the New Mexico Works Progress Administration Art Project. During World War II he was in defense work at North American Aircraft building planes. In 2000 he gained recognition after many years for discovering the 13,000 year old “Clovis Man Site” in Blackwater Draw in 1929. He continued to make Indian jewelry, Indian flutes and painting in oil even after he went blind in 2000.

He was preceded in death by his wives, Rachel Merie McCarty Whiteman, Edna Lampman Whiteman and Thelma Crume Whiteman; and a son, Jim Whiteman.

He is survived by a daughter, Katherine McAlavy (and husband, Don) of Clovis; a son, Scott Whiteman of Riverside, Calif.; thirteen grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.

McClelland Hall will officiate the services.

Honorary pallbearers will be H.A. Kilmer, Don McAlavy, Jim Warnica, Gary Fenn, Jim Patton, Dan Greathouse, Thad Isbell, Bobby Jordan, McClellan Hall, Smoking Bear, Fred Gaborie and his muzzleloading friends.

Arrangements are by Muffley Funeral Home of Clovis.