Specialist J.C. Whitehead, Jr. PS-225
(1954-2025)
J. C. was born on September 27, 1954 in Cincinnati to J. C. and Roberta Anne (Crippin) Whitehead, Sr. His father joined the United States Army, fought and was wounded in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. In 1968, he joined the University of Cincinnati Police Department as a Patrolman, was promoted to Sergeant by 1976, and eventually to Lieutenant. He served until a fatal heart attack on June 24, 1988 at the age of 57.
- C., Jr. attended Western Hills High School, played in the band, and graduated in May 1972. He later attended Burlington County College in Fort Dix, New Jersey from 1977 to 1979 and the University of Cincinnati Evening College from 1984 to 1985 studying Police Science and Business Administration.
Immediately after high school, on June 26, 1972, J.C. joined the United States Army. A phenomenal musician, he was assigned as an Army Bandsman, spending most of his time in Hawaii. Staff Sergeant Whitehead was honorably discharged on December 12, 1979 with a National Defense Sharpshooter Medal (2 awards), Good Conduct Medal, and various letters of commendation.
Continuing to follow in his father’s footsteps, J. C. joined the Cincinnati Police Division on March 2, 1980 in its 64th Recruit Class. He was promoted to Police Officer on September 14, 1980, issue Badge 680, and assigned to District 5 (1012 Ludlow Avenue). Officer Whitehead was rotated to District 4 (4150 Reading Road) on January 24, 1982. He transferred to District 3 (3201 Warsaw Avenue) on January 12, 1986. He was promoted to Police Specialist on July 11, 1993 and issued Badge PS-225. Specialist Whitehead also served in District 5, the Impound Unit, Police Communications Section, and District 2. By 2003, he was assigned to the District 2 Investigative Unit. Specialist Whitehead retired on September 10, 2006 with 34 years of service to his country and community and 24 letters of appreciation and/or commendation, including three from bureau commanders.
Unfortunately, he again followed his father with heart issues, an arterial aneurysm. On June 15, 2025, Specialist Whitehead underwent open heart surgery. The surgery went well, it seemed, but then he was taken back for emergency surgery for a bleed. Again, all seemed fine, but then he suffered a major stroke. Specialist Whitehead died at 1:45 a.m. on June 19, 2025 at the age of 70.
He was predeceased by his brother, former Children’s Hospital Security Officer Brennen Whitehead. Specialist Whitehead is survived by his wife of 17¾ years, Cindy L. (Heiland) Whitehead; children, Shannon Wilson and Jason Garrett Whitehead; sister, former Cincinnati Police Officer Keena (Whitehead) Meyer; and brother-in-law, Lieutenant Denny Meyer.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025 at 1100 hours at Dennis George Funeral Home 44 S. Miami Avenue in Cleves. Internment follows at Rose Hill Cemetery located at 171 Mason Montgomery Road in Mason.
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