When it came to securing an education young Whittico had the usual experiences of the farmer boy. He divided his time between the farm and the local public school, and being a boy, managed to sandwich in some play. His preparatory and literary work was done at Martinsville and at Mary Potter School at Oxford, N. C., where he spent three years. When ready for his medical course he matriculated to Meharry Medical College, Nashville, and won his M. D. degree in 1912. As a matter of fact, the way to an education was by no means easy. He was so unfortunate as to lose his mother at an early age and after leaving the public school had to make his own way. His first work after leaving home was in the mines. Later he did hotel and rail road work and during the last two years at Medical College was in hospital work. He took an active part in college athletics, especially baseball and football.
After his graduation in 1912, he located at Williamson and began the general practice. When this country entered the world war he joined the M. R. C. and went to Des Moines for training. He was commissioned First Lieut. And was stationed at Camp Meade for some months. He was in the active service overseas in France. Returning he again took up the practice at Williamson where he has since resided.
Dr. Whittico is a member of the State and National Medical Societies and of the local organization, known as the Flat Top Medical Society. In politics he is a Republican and takes an active interest in the local organization. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, being also superintendent of the Sunday School. Among the secret and benevolent orders, he belongs to the Masons, Pythians, Odd Fellows and St. Lukes. He is examiner for the Pythians.
On December 24, 1914, Dr. Whittico married Miss Nannie L. Cobbs, of Keystone. Mrs. Whittico was educated at the West Virginia Collegiate Institute and was, before her marriage, an accomplished teacher. They have one child, James Malachi Whittico, Jr.
Dr. Whittico believes that the permanent progress of the race must rest on education and the development of industrial interests. He has property in both Williamson, W. Va. and in Virginia.