By Mike Steely
Senior Writer
steelym@knoxfocus.com
I was researching Halloween events in our area, and when I Googled Cherokee Caverns, I found that an old friend, Jim Whidby, had passed away earlier this year. I was surprised and saddened to learn he is gone.
I met Jim years ago when I joined the East Tennessee Grotto, a caving group that was meeting then in Oak Ridge. Jim was leading the group and I followed him and the group, along with my friend and fellow spelunker and historian Roy Price. I was thinking about Jim recently when I came across a photo of him, myself, and Price at the final send-off of “The Heartland” TV series at the Museum of Appalachia a few years ago. All of us had been featured in different episodes of the Bill Landry-hosted show.
Many years ago, Jim became involved in cave preservation and especially in managing Cherokee Caverns, just off of Oak Ridge Highway northwest of Knoxville. Among the main events Jim directed there was the annual Haunted Cavern or Trick or Treat in the Cave. Visitors to the cave included scouts, universities, and school field trips, plus crowds for special events.
The late father, husband and grandfather was president of Bryon’s Printing in Louisville. He married his high school sweetheart, served in the Navy, retired from Sears and spent 37 years preserving and promoting Cherokee Caverns. Fittingly, his family and friends held a private celebration of his life in March at Cherokee Caverns.
Jim was a noted cave historian and an example to anyone who is interested in cave safety, preservation or history.
Trick or Treat in the Cave continues as a tribute to Whidby this year, with tickets available for $15 online at www.historiccherokeecaverns.com. The cave is wheelchair-, mobility scooter- and stroller-friendly and there are places in the cave to sit and rest along the 1/4th mile loop. The remaining dates for the special event are October 23, 24 and 25.
Other events at Cherokee Caverns include Christmas in the Cave and Movies in the Cave.
Cherokee Caverns is located at 8524 Oak Ridge Highway, about 14 miles northwest of downtown Knoxville.
