Read James Matthew Whalen's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

James Matthew Whalen

Lake Worth, FL, USA

October 20, 1930 - March 26, 2019

Oct 20, 1930 - Mar 26, 2019

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a gift to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Learn more & give
Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.

Share

Photo

James Matthew Whalen
1930 – 2019

Jim Whalen passed away peacefully March 26, 2019 at approximately 1:30 a.m. at JFK Hospital, Atlantis, FL at the age of 88. Born to John Whalen and Mary McCauley Whalen, and raised in Braddock, Pennsylvania, the fifth born of six siblings that comprised the Whalen family. The eldest, Helen Porter (deceased), Jean Mantia (deceased), Nancy Wallace, Jack Whalen, and William “Buck” Whalen (deceased).

Jim began his career in the U.S. Army, serving four years with the 82nd Airborne from December 1949 to Jan 1953 when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal. He is preceded in passing by his former wife of 26 years, Margaret Jane Toth, with whom they raised six children. The eldest James “Jimmy” Michael Whalen passed away at age 49. They are survived by the 5 younger offspring: Michael Patrick Whalen, Sean Whalen, Mark Thomas Whalen, Sr, Colleen Marie Whalen, and Mary Elizabeth Whalen.

Following his time in service, Jim raised his family and worked the majority of his career in Pennsville, New Jersey, working for DuPont Chambers Works as an Engineering Supervisor and Mechanical Foreman. Jim retired from DuPont after 21 years of service at the age of 52 . Following retirement, Jim moved to Lantana, Florida and spent his remaining years volunteering and spending time with family and grandchildren. He served as Guardian Ad Litum in Palm Beach County, acting on behalf of minors and representing their interests in court.

Jim leaves behind eleven amazing grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren, of whom he was extremely proud and each brought him much joy. Grandchildren by order of birth: Chrissy Vargas, Bethanne Lee, Justin Smith, Courtney Gilroy, Lindsay Whalen, Jeremy Smith, Mark Whalen, Jr., Kate Whalen, Jill Whalen, Sean Whalen, and Bryce Whalen.

Great grandchildren by order of birth: Jackson Whalen, Walter Smith, Weston Lee, Caroline Vargas, Ryker Smith, Luca Whalen, Daniel Lee, Ricky Gilroy, IV, Michael Lee, Lily Smith, Oliver Smith, and Cullen Whalen.

The family will hold a private service in Loxahatchee, FL on Sunday April 7th 2019, and requests in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to St Jude Childrens’ Hospital. This amazing organization provided the pacemaker that kept Jim’s heart ticking like a clock for many years.

Order a beautiful PDF you can print and save or share.

Get the PDF

Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.

Please consider a gift to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

$510.00

Raised by 6 people

Learn more & give