James Alfred Whicher, 85, of Garden City, NY passed away with family by his side on April 25th, 2026, following a long battle with dementia.

James (Jim) was the son of John C. Whicher, Sr. and Mary McRae of Durham, New Hampshire. Growing up in a military family, Jim moved often and resided in many locations throughout the world. He was a very proud graduate of The United States Military Academy at West Point.  Shortly after graduation, he married his sweetheart Dolores, with whom he enjoyed 59 years of marriage.  He proudly served his country in the Vietnam War and continued his military service further by serving in the Army Reserves, retiring as a Full Colonel. In his civilian life, he enjoyed a long career with New York Telephone/NYNEX in various management positions. However, his true passion was serving his country and upholding the Army’s seven values of : (LDRSHP) Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. Jim will always maintain his place in the Long Gray Line.

Jim was truly a "larger than life" man. He was known as “The Big Kahuna” but his most prized titles were Dad or Poppy. He loved golf, spectator sports, music, and dancing (which he was great at!). He could carry a tune, tell a great joke or an exaggerated story, and had extreme pride in the accomplishments of all of his extended family to include his adored nieces and nephews. His laughter was infectious and he would fill each room he walked into with so much joy.  Jim sang often and loved to serenade his grandchildren in the mornings especially with Herb Oscar Anderson’s “Hello Again, Here’s My Best to You. Are your skies all gray?, I hope they're blue” refrain. This became his signature greeting and produced giggles and laughter amongst the children. He was a loving husband who shared a lifetime of devotion to Dolores and family. As a father, Jim stressed the importance of academics and was a constant on the sidelines for baseball, football, soccer, lacrosse, track, for Jamie, Kim, and Bill and their 10 children throughout their lives. A more avid cheerleader could not be found.

“The Colonel” (as many liked to call him), will forever be remembered as a devoted husband, wonderful father, dedicated Poppy, loving uncle and loyal friend to many. 

He is survived by his wife, Dolores; his children, James Whicher Jr. (Denise) of Cumming, GA, Kimberly Mara (Colin) of Concord, MA, and William Whicher (Julie) of Garden City, NY; his grandchildren, Tim Whicher, Brad Whicher, Connor Whicher, Matthew Whicher, William Mara, Deidre Mara, Lyla Whicher, Blake Whicher, Chase Whicher, and Taylor Whicher; sister-in-law Joan Weaver; Weaver and Murphy nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects and all are welcome to join us for a Christian Service at Fairchild Sons Funeral Home in Garden City on May 3rd. Viewing hours will be from 2pm to 7pm, including the service, which will begin at 5:30pm. All are invited to attend the burial on Long Island, with Full Military Honors, at a date to be announced.