About Us

James P. Witherow was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In the late 1920s, he moved to San Diego at the urging of his older sister who sold him on the opportunities that San Diego had to offer. Arriving in San Diego, Witherow secured employment with a local painting and roofing contractor as a salesperson. In 1935, unable to get a pay raise, Witherow quit his job. With startup capital provided by a loan from his father-in-law, the J.P. Witherow Roofing Company was born. It has since flourished in the expanding San Diego community for more than 75 years.

From the beginning, Witherow knew success in the roofing business meant servicing the military as well as the commercial and residential customer. During World War II, nearly 90percent of Witherow Roofing's focus was in support of the war effort — from defense housing in National City, Chula Vista and Camp Consair to Ryan Aircraft Company, Rohr Aircraft Company, Consolidated Aircraft Corporation and many defense-related projects. Today, Witherow Roofing continues to service the military with projects at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station, Marine Corps Recruit Depot and Camp Pendleton.

J.P. Witherow Roofing Co. participates in many high-profile commercial projects. During the 1990s, the company installed roofing systems on the Del Mar Racetrack Grandstand, Museum of Contemporary Art, the 1998 Lindbergh Field terminal expansion, the Civic Center, Thornton Hospital, the Viejas Casino and the 1999 San Diego Convention Center expansion. Each year also brings extensive work for various San Diego County school districts.

J.P. Witherow Roofing Co. nurtures its commitment to the residential customer as well. The company regularly receives requests from past customers whose original roofs were installed by Witherow Roofing, 30 or 40 years ago. Many times the customer is amazed when told that their original contract is still on file.

J.P. Witherow Roofing Co. also strives to be sensitive to the needs of the community. The company has contributed time and materials to the San Diego Central Animal Shelter, the American Red Cross, Mercy Hospital and to Tijuana flood victims.

When Witherow passed away in 1986, Richard and Barbara, Witherow's children, purchased the company from the founder's estate. Although they do not know the total number of roofing systems the company has installed, it is interesting to note that in 1973 their father reported that the rapid development of San Diego had led to the installation of 50,000 roofs by his company.

J.P. Witherow Roofing Co. received recognition in 1994 from the San Diego Better Business Bureau for being a member in good standing for more than 40 years. In 1995, Roofing, Siding and Insulation national magazine named the company "Roofing Contractor of the Year."

Employees have been J.P Witherow Roofing's biggest assets. Richard and Barbara exhibited this in 1998, when four individuals were recognized for more than 30 years of service with the company.

J.P. Witherow Roofing Co. continues today as the oldest and one of the most respected family-owned and operated roofing contractors in San Diego County.