James Richard White
Born: July 11th, 1926
Died: April 6th, 2018
Obituary
James Richard White, 91 years old resided in Chicago, Illinois when he made his transition Friday, April 6, 2018 at 8:00pm at his home.
Richard was born in Burlington, IA July 11, 1926, one of 9 children born to Frank and Birdie White.
Richard received his Bachelor Degree from University of Iowa, continued his education at University of Michigan (1958) and USC (1973) where he earned a Master Degree from each.
Richard served in the Military during World War II of the United States Army. After serving in the Military, Richard began his civilian career in Chicago working as a social worker for Cook County, IL. Richard later moved to New York to work for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services from 1963-1965 as a Regional Family Services Social Worker. From 1965-1968 he served as a Social Administration Advisor in Washington, D.C.
In 1968 Richard relocated to Chicago, IL to the Chicago Regional Office where he held several positions starting with Incentive Program Coordinator, Community Services Program Specialist, Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, Regional Assistance Payments Program Specialist, Deputy Director of the Work Incentive Program, Social Services Program Specialist, Deputy Regional Program Director, Administration for Children, Youth and Family, and Chief of the Head Start Bureau. Richard retired in 1986 as the Chief of the Community Program Division.
Richard enjoyed attending Church (though he resided in Chicago, he always maintained his membership with St. John Methodist Church in Burlington, IA), socializing with family and friends, dancing and traveling throughout North America and abroad. He was a key member of the Rat Pack Organization where he was part of a team that mentored youth and provided college scholarship funds. Richard was very instrumental in making financial contributions to the homeless and hungry locally and nationally. Richard was best known for his appreciation of foods. No matter where he traveled or events he attended, he ALWAYS had his camera to capture the fond memories and candid moments.
From the Union to Constance Jeanette Quinn in 1953, his daugther Jennifer Elaine was born. Richard is survived by daughter, Jennifer (Keith) Griffin, granddaughter, Kimberly (Robert) White-Ward, grandson Rodney Rucker II, two great-grandchildren, James Richard White II and Savannah, two great-great-grandchildren, Jamiyah and James Richard White, III, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Oran, DeEdwin, Robert, Clyde and Frank, Jr., and three sisters, Marcella, Thelma, and Betty.
The funeral service for Mr. James Richard White will be 11:00 AM Saturday, April 14, 2018, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home with Reverend James A. Salter and Pastor Orlando Dial officiating. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home following the burial.
We will all miss that warm smile that Richard always carried!
Richard’s Quote
I Did It My Way!