Myron James Whelchel

Jim was born in 1926, to Vaughn and Beulah Whelchel of Pendleton, IN. He attended Pendleton schools before joining the US Coast Guard, where he served as petty officer second class on the USS Charlotte PF50 in the North Atlantic during World War II. Upon returning stateside, he earned his high-school diploma as well as a post-secondary degree, married sweetheart Joan Whelchel, and began raising their family.

Jim worked for Westinghouse Corporation and subsequently ran his own business, Mercury Electric Appliance Service, in Danbury before retiring as MAR (Major Appliance Repair) department head at Henry Abbott Technical High School. A patient and beloved shop instructor, he touched the lives of many local students. He was a longtime member of the Danbury Yacht Club.

An avid model maker and storyteller, his serviceman's uniform and model of the USS Charlotte proudly reside at the US Coast Guard Academy Museum in New London, CT.

Predeceased by his brother Maurice of New Castle, IN, his mother, and his father, his greatest joy was his family. Jim is survived by his wife Joan of 69 years; daughter Carole Bender (Thomas) of Danbury; son and fellow model maker Myron James Whelchel, Jr., (Kim) of Felton, PA; son Daniel Whelchel (Robin) of Danbury; son John Whelchel (Suzanne) of Danbury; and daughter Cathy Betesh (Brian) of Danbury, and their respective spouses. In addition, Jim is survived by 9 loving grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015 at St. Joseph Church, Danbury, with the Rev. David Franklin, Parochial Vicar, officiating. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to the Henry Abbott Technical High School, 21 Hayestown Ave., Danbury, CT 06811.

For further information or to express your condolences on line, go to www.thegreenfuneralhome.com