JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - The remains of a World War II veteran killed in combat are being escorted from Tallahassee to his hometown of Dothan, Alabama by his surviving family, members of the Patriot Guard Riders and law enforcement agencies from both states.
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office said that the body of Marine Corps Pfc. James O. Whitehurst, who died in combat while fighting in WWII on November 20, 1943, will be returned to his home state of Alabama on Tuesday.
They said that his body will be flown and escorted by members of the U.S. Marine Corps Tuesday from Hawaii to Tallahassee International Airport.
After, his surviving family, members of the Patriot Guard Riders, and law enforcement agencies from Florida and Alabama will accompany Whitehurst for the rest of the journey.
Deputies said that Whitehurst's remains will be taken to Glover Funeral Home in preparation for his funeral, with full military honors, on Wednesday, April 12, 2017.
The funeral will be held at First Baptitst Church of Cowarts on Glen Lawrence Road.
Sheriff Roberts and other officers with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office will meet the procession on I-10 at the Jackson County line and travel to Highway 71, travelling north on Highway 90 through Marianna to HIghway 73 North to 231 and then to Dothan, Alabama.
