After more than a decade with Messenger and a remarkable 100-year legacy of family service - James “Jim” Whitecar Jr. is retiring, closing an extraordinary chapter not only in his career, but in the history of the Whitecar family and the funeral profession.

Jim’s retirement represents more than the end of a career; it marks the culmination of a legacy that began nearly a century ago. Across three generations, the Whitecar family has exemplified a deep commitment to service, relationships, and excellence in the funeral industry.

When Jim joined Messenger in 2010, he carried forward a proud tradition established by his father, Jim Whitecar Sr., and grandfather, Al Whitecar. Serving funeral homes across Northern California and Nevada, Jim built lasting relationships rooted in trust, care, and personal connection - qualities that defined his approach and earned him recognition as Supplier of the Year by the California Funeral Directors Association in 2015.  


 
Issac Allen "Al" Whitecar (L)
Jim Whitecar, Sr. Messenger Hall of Fame (R)    

“Jim’s passion was developing personal relationships with his clients,” said Kim Scott, Director of Sales – West Region. “His authenticity, warmth, and dedication left a lasting impression on everyone he worked with and our team will truly miss having a Whitecar on our team with us.”  

For Jim, this journey was also deeply personal. One of his proudest accomplishments was to help his family achieve 100 years of continuous service to Messenger and the funeral profession, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!  Please join us by peeking into the Messenger archives, pictured with this release, with permission from the Whitecar family.  Pictured are copies of “The Messenger”, a sales rep newsletter from the 1950’s along with the congratulatory letter informing Al Whitecar know he won the contest and a BRAND-NEW CAR. 

That legacy began in the 1920s when his grandfather, Al Whitecar, joined Messenger and quickly distinguished himself, even winning the company’s Golden Harvest Sales Contest in the 1950s. Decades later, Jim’s father continued the tradition, contributing 47 years of service and leaving his own legacy of leadership and excellence, recognized with induction into the Messenger Hall of Fame. 

“My dad was knowledgeable, compassionate, and always went out of his way to help customers,” Jim shared. “The best advice I can give future generations is simple - make friends and take care of each other.”

Throughout his career, Jim embodied those values, fostering meaningful relationships with clients that often-spanned decades. Reflecting on his career, he shared, “It has been an honor to continue these relationships and serve alongside so many great people. Keep up the great work.”  

“On behalf of everyone at Messenger, we are deeply grateful to Jim and the entire Whitecar family for a century of service,” said Heather Garman, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Their legacy has helped shape who we are today, rooted in passion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving our clients with excellence. We wish Jim and his wife Carolyn all the best in this next chapter.”  

As Jim steps into retirement, Messenger looks ahead while honoring the foundation he helped strengthen. Mike Kane will join the team as the new sales representative on July 1st. A licensed funeral director and former owner-operator, Kane brings deep industry experience, fresh perspective, and a shared commitment to supporting clients and advancing their success.  

“I am thrilled to be part of the Messenger team,” Kane said. “I look forward to building on the incredible foundation established by the Whitecar family and partnering with our clients to support their goals.”

Messenger Corporation, Letter to Al Whitecar | November 13, 1950


The Messenger Newsletter | November 22, 1950



The Messenger Newsletter | January 10, 1951