James Lawrence Withem's Obituary
James Lawrence "Larry" Withem, passed away on June 30, 2024, in San Diego, CA, at the age of 86. Born on March 8, 1938, in West Terre Haute, Indiana, Larry was the son of Rosemary and James Withem.
While Larry lived most of his life in San Diego, CA, he grew up in West Terre Haute, IN and then permanently settled in San Diego after his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1961.
He was a husband, first to his former wife Mary Bell Withem with whom he had children Jimmy and Mary Beth, and later to Elizabeth "Bettie Jo" Withem, where he cared for her five children.
He graduated from Schulte High School in Terre Haute, IN, in 1956, and later earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of Phoenix. With passion for planes, Larry also obtained a private pilot's license.
Larry's career began with four years of service in the Navy at the Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, VA before moving on to a career at Solar Turbines. Later in life, he pursued a career as an art dealer alongside his wife Bettie Jo.
In addition, Larry was an avid music listener, enjoyed playing the bass in a band in Lakeside, CA and had a love for dancing. He cherished his Model A truck and was a regular visitor to local spots like Beef 'n Bun, Denny's, the casinos and occasionally the Carlsbad strawberry fields. Larry was also a traveler, who went on many cruises with his wife Bettie Jo.
Larry will be remembered by his younger brother Denny as "the enforcer," a play on the way Larry always made sure his little brother never stepped out of line.
Larry was preceded in death by his former wife Mary Bell Withem and his late wife Elizabeth "Bettie Jo" Withem, his parents James and Rosemary Withem, his son Jimmy Withem and his stepchildren Michael Grove, Karyn Grove and David Grove.
He is survived by his daughter Mary Beth Withem-Stephens, his stepchildren Lorrie (Kerry) Wise and Robert (Lucinda) Grove, and his siblings Dennis (Dorothy) Withem, David (Dianna) Withem, Lisa (Bruce) Withem Miller, and Jeff (Mary Lou) Withem.
He will be remembered by his grandchildren Alexander Stephens, David Swank, Brandon Wise, Michael Grove, Kimberly Garcia, Lauren Grove, Kendall Grove and P.R. Grove and multiple great grandchildren.
He will be laid to rest beside his late wife Bettie Jo at Greenwood Memorial Park in San Diego, CA, where a graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 16 at 10 a.m..
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