James E. Whitehurst, 89, of Tampa, formerly of Bloomington, IL, died February 2, 2014. Magician extraordinaire, professor of comparative religions, inter-denomi-national pastor and world traveler. Born Ft. Wayne, IN. Professional magician since college, never without a magic trick. Attended Northwestern U Garrett, and Ph.D. from U of Edinburgh. Professor at Illinois Wesleyan U for 30 yrs, teaching with slide shows, costumes & props from sabbaticals abroad. Retired to be pastor of Crystal Beach Comm Church, later to Tampa continuing his ministry, teaching & magic shows. Survived by Lois, wife of 64 years; daughter Carol of Tacoma, WA; son William & daughter-in-law Jaime of Nyack, NY; and granddaughters Amelia and Annie-Sage. Memorial serv: March 8 at noon at John Knox Village, Tampa FL. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tbo/obituary.aspx?n=james-e-whitehurst&pid=169632176#sthash.5MCmdnBl.dpuf