It is with deep sadness and much love that we announce the passing of James "Jim" Arnold Whaley, 85, Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at Sebastian River Medical Center, Sebastian, Florida. He was born in Knoxville, TN and grew up in the "Secret City" of Oakridge. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen Whaley, his son Jim Whaley, Jr. (Daylene), brother Bill Whaley (Judy), stepchildren, Tracey Guffey, George Atkins, III, and Sharyn Hall, including seven grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Arnold and Ethel Whaley, sister Pat Palmer, and ex-wife, Diane Whaley.  He was a proud Veteran of the US Air Force and has spent 20 years in management/supervision and had a long and distinguished career receiving many commendations for work at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN and at the Kennedy Space Center, FL.  He was a big racing fan and opened his own business and was sole owner and operator of Turn 1 Racing. For 7 years Turn 1 Racing provided customers in most of the United States with the best in racing engines.  Through proven success and expertise for building and working on race cars, he developed an outstanding reputation in demand by competitive race car drivers who respected his honesty and integrity. Working with a fellow racing driver, he co-designed and built an aerodynamic, innovative car that won the national championship in 1976. He returned to Kennedy Space Center in 1979 as Manager of Engineering Support Services for Brown and Associates Management Services, Inc., (BAMSI) a subcontractor to Lockheed Space Operations on the Shuttle Processing Contract. He was liked and respected wherever he went always willing to help friends, family and strangers. He had a great sense of humor and through his dry wit and a storage of one liners would always keep you laughing while referring to himself as the old country boy from the hills of TN. All who knew him knew he was more than that and he will be forever missed. His memorial is scheduled for March 4, 2022, 10-11 am Friends & Family Gathering, Service will begin at 11 am. at Seawinds Funeral Home in Sebastian. Military Honors will be observed.