James “Whitey” Edward Wilhelm Sr., 83, of Monroe, NC passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025. He was born in Rowan County, NC on October 22, 1942, son to the late Frank Edward Wilhelm and Zelia Redwine Wilhelm. He is also preceded in death by four brothers, Frank Eugene Wilhelm, Captain Murry Wilhelm, Jerry Wilhelm and George Wilhelm.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00PM on December 6, 2025, in the chapel of Gordon Funeral Service, with burial to follow at Lakeland Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30PM until 1:45PM, Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Ave., Monroe, NC 28112.

Whitey is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Helms Wilhelm, two sons, James E. Wilhelm Jr. (Tresa), Jason L. Wilhelm (Andrea), and three grandchildren, Logan Wilhelm, Peyton Wilhelm, Luna Wilhelm.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

Online condolences may be shared at www.gordonfuneralservice.com.

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Avenue, Monroe, NC 28112, is honored to be entrusted with the care of the Wilhelm family.