James “Jim” Whalen, 86, of Farmersville died peacefully on his farm surrounded by his family on Sunday, September 20.
A wake was held at the Farmersville KC Hall on Friday, Sept. 25, followed by a short service and dinner. In accordance with his wishes his remains will be scattered in the soil he farmed and in Co. Laois Ireland, the place from which his ancestors emigrated.
Whalen was born July 18, 1940, to William Irl Whalen and Helen Marie (Lyons) Whalen. He graduated from St. Isidore Grade School in 1954 and Farmersville High School in 1958; joined the Knights of Columbus; and served in the US Army and Air Force Reserves. He took over the family farm where he planted and harvested 50 crops with the brother he never had, Bill Brown.
In 1966, he married Sherry Frey. After her death in 1997, he shared his life with another wonderful woman, Neila Jordan. For a quarter century he served on the board of directors of the First National Bank of Raymond. He and Sherry spent several years as Waggoner Centennial Players. He proudly lived his entire life on the land that his Irish ancestors settled in the 1850s.
These details were important to him but they only tell a fraction of the story of his life, which was replete with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. He loved deeply and was deeply loved.
He was someone who took his obligations in the community seriously and the family is enormously grateful for the outpouring of love and kindness they have been shown by the people who cared about him.
Whalen was a passionate Cardinals baseball fan, chili cook, loved to travel and enjoyed countless sunsets in Florida. He probably made as many friends in pubs, taverns and parties as anyone who has ever lived. If you ever enjoyed a drink with him, you almost certainly had a laugh.
His favorite times in life were spent among the people he loved with steaks sizzling on the grill and a martini in hand. It was the definitive image of a happy, happy man.
In his last days, he was able to share one of his favorite quotes with his family.
“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broad side thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaim, ‘Wow. What a ride!’”
He accomplished that.
Preceding him in death were his wife Sherry (Frey) Whalen and his sister Mary Whalen. Surviving him are three sons, Brad Whalen (Chrissy DeWerff), Bill Whalen, and Aaron Whalen (Leeanne McBane Whalen) and a grandson, Rylan Whalen.
In lieu of flowers please send memorials to The Panhandle School District Special Education Fund or the St. John’s Bread Line in Springfield.
