Mr. James "Ricky" Whitson

Mr. James Nubert Whitson aka “Ricky” was born October 21, 1954, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to Rosie Bell (Porter) and Nubert Whitson, Jr. He passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the age of 71 years. The family moved to Saginaw, Michigan when James was 10 years of age. In 1973 James would graduate from Saginaw High School then attend Saginaw Valley State College. He later worked for General Motors and in the early eighties he relocated to Texas. He was employed with Vought Aerospace until his retirement in 2011. Shortly after retirement, he moved back to Saginaw, Michigan. In his twenties, James married Virginia Fort, their union lasted 32 years and produced three sons. In 2012, when James moved back to Saginaw, he would meet his forever love. After years of love and laughter they would marry in May 2023. And in true “Ricky” fashion, he never called Danyell by her name but affectionately called her “Suga”. “Ricky” loved cooking and being on the grill. He also loved watching westerns and loved history. He loved going into his office listening to music while making online purchases. James also was an avid sports fan and loved the Detroit Pistons, the Tigers and most importantly the Lions. James leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Danyell Garrett-Whitson, Saginaw, MI; three sons, Antwane J. Fort, and Brandon J. (Tosha) Whitson both of Apopka, FL and Desmond J. Whitson, Atlanta, GA; his three step-children, Anthony Martin, Hua-Hin, Thailand, Andrew LeGardye, Lansing, MI and Amirah Shumake, Detroit, MI; four grandchildren, Katelyn and Arianna Whitson Apopka, FL, Karmello and Mycah LeGardy both of Lansing, MI; sister, Teresa Whitson; brother, Michael Whitson both of Saginaw, MI; uncle, Franklin Whitson, Saginaw, MI; mother-in-law, Nancy Hall Smith, Detroit, MI; the mother of his children, Virginia Fort; James leaves behind 16 nieces and nephews including two special nieces, Sheila Whitson and Sieconda Badditt; many great-nieces and nephews; a host of cousins including special cousin, George Porter and many other relatives and friends. Mr. James Nubert Whitson was preceded in death by his parents, Rosie and Nubert Whitson, Jr.; one brother, William Gregory Whitson; four sisters, Diane, Sandra, Deborah and Stephanie Whitson; a very special cousin, JP “Peewee” Sudduth. The family expresses special thanks to Covenant Healthcare, First State Home Health and Hospice Care and Dr. Janell Jordan Turner. Family hour will take place at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral service commencing at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave., Saginaw, MI 48607. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a .m. until the time of the service.

Mr. James "Ricky" Whitson

October 21, 1954 - August 13, 2026