John C. "Jake" Starling

Jake was born in Thomasville, GA, on the day of "Rose Show" - April 29, 1954 to the late John C. Starling, Jr. and Louise Fulgham Colson. He was a graduate of Thomasville High School - Class of 1972. He enlisted in the US Army in 1973 where he served for 3 years in Berlin, Germany. He attended and graduated from Thomas Technical Institute with honors in 1976 as an Electrician. He worked part time at Jacks Gulf where he met the love of his life Dianne Whetsell, whom he's been married to for 45 years. He worked as an Electrician for many years at Southwestern State Hospital where he retired in 2013. Jake and Dianne spent many of their days fishing in rivers, lakes and ponds. They soon bought a new and bigger boat and started their adventure of fishing on the flats. He was the Captain and she was his Mate. They would spend weekends driving down to St. Marks to eat good seafood and listen to live music. He was a fan of music of all kinds, attending many concerts throughout his life, such as; Paul McCartney, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Conway Twitty, Merle Haggard, and ZZ Top, just to name a few. He loved animals of all kinds and was a master gardener. He had a raised bed garden and spent many hours tending to it. Along with growing his own vegetables he loved baking. His baking skills were amazing, the chocolate pound cake and yellow cake with chocolate icing were two of the favorites.

Jake will forever be missed and loved. His memory will live on in the hearts of those remaining who were closest to him- his beloved wife,"Nan" Dianne Starling, his siblings, Vicki Jackson (Don), and Cindy Carter (Larry), and his late brother in law Rodney Whetsell, Jr.(Rhonda) from Oregon and sister in law Amy Willis (Marty) along with nieces and nephews, Val Jackson, Casey Lawrence, Stephanie Knisely (Burt), Neal Jackson, Jeremy Carter (Elisa), Jennifer Vinson (Kent), Keith Whetsell (Lindsey), Lindsey Rawles (Tom), Reece Willis (Anna), and Haley Willis (fiance Chan Johnson).

Our Lord and Savior answered many prayers for Jake and his family especially in recent years. In the midst of Jake's battle, family and friends witnessed the strength and determination God gave him through his treatment, surgeries and recovery. They were even blessed to have him in good health for many more years than ever expected. This is a true testament of God's mercies and goodness as we put our trust in Him, in even the most adverse times. Rejoice and give thanks for His faithfulness in all things. So do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be dismayed. For I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Humane Society of Midway Property -180 Big Star Drive Thomasville, GA 31757.

A Memorial Service will be held at Whiddon Shiver Funeral Home on Sunday - November 1, 2026 at 3:00 pm with Micah Beasley officiating.