James "Mike" Whitehead

James “Mike” Whitehead, 67, of North Vernon, passed away at 10:57 p.m. on Sunday, March 20, 2022, at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 25, 2022, at Sawyer-Pickett Funeral and Cremation Service. The family request casual attire – Hawaiian Shirts encouraged. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

Born on August 25, 1954, in Seymour, Mike was the loving son of James C. and Wilma Ledford Whitehead. He was united in marriage to Andi Miller on July 28, 1995. She survives.

Mike graduated from Jennings County High School in 1972. He had driven a semi with his dad for a short time. After that he worked as a tool maker at Southern Indiana Mold Company before starting his own construction company. He owned and operated Harvest Homes Construction and Legacy Structure & Design with his sister Barbara until his retirement. He attended First United Methodist Church. He was a founder of the Jennings County Building Trades Committee. He served on the Jennings County Alcohol and Beverage Commission. He was the contractor that restored the Park Theatre in downtown North Vernon, and he was one of the five original charter members of the theater board. His last job he completed was restoring the Cone house on Jennings Street. He always had a passion for historical homes and buildings.

Mike played banjo with the Dusty Miller Band until he lost two of his fingers in a table saw. Music was another one of his passions. He organized the first Granville Johnson Music Festival at the Park Theater. He was later inducted into the local Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. He loved playing golf and organized several golf fund raising events.

Most of all, Mike was a loving husband and adoring father to his three daughters. When they played golf in high school, he rarely missed a match. He was their biggest fan. He always enjoyed family fun night when friends and family gathered to play cards in his garage. Woodworking and drawing in his shop was a favorite hobby. At the end of the day he always enjoyed sitting in his hot tub on the back porch for a little relaxation.

Mike is survived by his wife, Andi Whitehead of North Vernon; daughters, Tori (Eric) Wernke, Kassi, and Peyton Whitehead of North Vernon; sisters, Karen “Susi” Simone, and Barbara Whitehead of North Vernon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James C. and Wilma Whitehead.

Memorials can be made through the funeral home to the Park Theatre.

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