James Whittaker, 1935 - 1936

Whittaker was born in Glasgow in 1865, then moved with his parents to Lancashire. He re-located to Bilston in the 1890s, and worked as a plumber for Wolverhampton Waterworks Department. His initial association with local government administration was during 1903 when he was a member of Wolverhampton Education Committee. Sympathising with the trade unions, he was nominated as a Labour representative for St John's Ward in 1903, retaining his seat until 1912, and eventually becoming the Leader of the Labour group. In 1906 he became a borough magistrate. Whittaker re-entered the Council in 1924 as a member for the Graisley Ward. In 1935 he became Mayor, and two years later was elected as Alderman. He supported various committees and was interested in friendly society work. He was the Governor of Wolverhampton and Staffordshire Technical College and Wolverhampton High School. Membership of other bodies included Wolverhampton Employment Committee, Wolverhampton Insurance Committee, the local War and Pensions Committee and the Staffordshire Mental Hospitals Board. Whittaker was a Methodist preacher for fifty years and when his wife died in 1934 their daughter, Mrs Swift, carried out the duties of the Mayoress. Whittaker was killed in a traffic accident with other members of Wolverhampton Council whilst they were conducting official duties on Wednesday 3rd April 1940.

Obituary & Image Express & Star 4th April 1940