Obituary of Dr. James Richard Whitehead

Dr. James Richard Whitehead, 89, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away on January 10, 2025.

Jim was born on December 2, 1935, to George and Jean Whitehead in Tulsa where he attended St Francis Grade School, then graduated from Marquette High School 1954.

He was an undergraduate at St Benedicts College and the University of Tulsa. Dr. Whitehead earned his DDS Degree in 1961 and Orthodontic Certificates/MS in 1963 from University Missouri at Kansas City.

Jim then served his country by joining the US Army. He rose to Chief Orthodontist, United States Army Alaska (USARAL) for Fort Richardson (Anchorage, AK) and Fort Wainwright (Fairbanks, AK).

After leaving the Service, Jim operated in private practice as an Orthodontist in Tulsa from 1966 – 2002.

On August 24, 1957, Jim married his high school sweetheart Patricia Ann Donovan at Christ the King Catholic Church. Jim and Pat have four children: daughter Theresa, Jim Jr., George, and Scott. The children attended Barnard Elementary School, Cascia Hall, and Monte Casino.

After retiring, Jim and Pat enjoyed traveling together. Together they attended the 1964 Tokyo Summer Games, 1984 Los Angeles Summer Games, 1996 Atlanta Summer Games, 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Games. Another highlight was carrying the Olympic Torch in the 1996 Olympic Torch Run in Pawnee, Oklahoma.

Dr Whitehead also helped form Marquette High School Alumni Association and was inducted into the Marquette Re-Dial Alumni Newsletter Ring of Honor.

He is proceeded in death by his wife, Pat on December 18, 2018.

Jim is survived by daughter Theresa Whitehead (Tim Castoe), son Jim (Cindy) Whitehead, son George (Sharon) Whitehead, son Scott (Siobhan) Whitehead, grandson Donovan (Elizabeth) Whitehead, granddaughter Erin (Ben) Farris, grandson Bailey (Eliana) Whitehead, and great granddaughter Evelyn (daughter of Erin and Ben Farris).

A rosary will be held 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 15 at Ninde Brookside Chapel. Funeral mass will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 16 at Christ the King Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Alzheimer’s Association.

Ninde Funeral Directors | (918) 742-5556 | ninde.com