James P. Whalen Sr.

James “Jim” Patrick Whalen, Sr., age 94 of Austin, Texas passed away peacefully October 2, 2022. Jim was born March 15, 1928 in Chicago, IL to Ester and John Whalen. He graduated from St Michael’s Catholic Church High School in 1946. Jim’s father died when he was just a baby. He and his brother, John worked any job they could get to help support the family until he was drafted at the age of 18.

Jim proudly served his county as a Corporal in the United States Army Signal Corps from 1946-1948. While on leave, Jim came home to marry the love of his life, Rosean Paglini in 1947 at the same church he attended school, St Michael Church in Old Town. Jim was called back to serve his county as a Sergeant in the USASC during the Korean War and served from 1950 to 1951.

Returning to Chicago, to Rosie and their two sons, Steve and Pat, Jim went right to work with his father-in-law as a packer in the printing industry and growing his family with 3 more sons, Johnny, Carl and Gregory. Jim’s career spanned over 50 years and included some of the all-time greats. While in Chicago he worked at The Chicago Sun Times and The Chicago Tribune. When the family started migrating to Austin, Jim and Rosie soon followed. Jim continued his career at Sweet Printing Co. and Hart Graphics until he finally retired in 1998 at the age of 70. But Jim could not sit still and joined in with his sons at their company, Press Corps later evolving into Whalen Web Printing Solutions.

Jim loved his family, the Chicago Bears and the White Sox, his books and the self-proclaimed World-Famous Ribs from Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern. He had a terrific sense of humor and loved practical jokes. Reminiscing about the pranks and shenanigans that would go on in the press room would bring tears to his eyes from laughter. He had such a great laugh.

Jim is survived by his sons, Steve Whalen and wife Connie, Carl Whalen and wife Sylvia, Leslie Whalen, wife of Gregory, Valerie Whalen wife of Pat. His seven grandchildren: Stevie, Shawn, Chelsea, Shannon, Jessica, Jon and Taylor. And nine great grandchildren: Camryn, Morgan, Reagan, Christian, Madison, Savannah, Kailyn, Chloe and Noah.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Rosean, sons Johnny, Gregory and James Jr. “Pat”.

The family will receive visitors from 5:00-7:00 pm, on Thursday, October 13th at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, October 14th in the Chapel of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in kind to the American Cancer Society can be made through the following link: https://www.cancer.org/