James Joseph Whelehan

Jim was born October 29, 1931 in Brooklyn, NY, the only child of Marjorie E. Buckley and James J. Whelehan Sr.

Jim graduated from the prestigious Xavier High School in Manhattan, obtained his Bachelor's Degree in electrical engineering from the Polytechnic University of Brooklyn (now merged with NYU) and served 4 years in the US Navy during the Korean War. On August 22, 1959, he married the love of his life Joan (Baudier) Whelehan. During their 57 year marriage, they became parents to 3 children – James (Jimmy) Whelehan, Linda (Whelehan) Haynes and Kim (Whelehan) Mattes while living on Long Island, New York. In addition to raising his 3 children in Smithtown, Jim was a dedicated professional and he viewed his work as an electrical engineer as a hobby. He obtained his Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Long Island University/CW Post and worked towards his PhD. Though much of his work was classified with the US government and to this day he was not able to speak about details, he dedicated his life to making the US a safer place to live. He had many patents throughout his career, one of which was helping develop the first microwave oven as he specialized in microwave technology, he helped with the communication system for the US Space Shuttle among many other highly classified projects throughout the Cold War. Until just a few short years ago, he was still working on US government contracts. He kept himself busy with a great group of friends in Greeley, walked 2 miles a day, was part of the board in his community, was a volunteer for Colorado State University working with Electrical Engineering students, was very active in his professional organization (IEEE) in which he reviewed papers and attended conferences.

Jim was preceded in death by Joan who passed on December 17, 2016. They lived on Long Island until 2001, moved to Hatfield, PA until 2004 and resided in Greeley, CO for the remaining time.

Jim is survived by his son Jim of Hermosa Beach, CA; daughter Linda of Plant City, FL; daughter Kim and her husband Scott of Greeley, CO; 5 grandchildren (Joshua, Jonathan, Nicholas, Brandon, and Kristin (Forman)); 2 great granddaughters (Raven and Salem), many nieces and nephews; as well as several other relatives, colleagues and great friends.

There will be a public viewing at Allnutt Funeral/Macy Chapel on Sunday 9/29 2-4 pm on 6521 W. 20th Street, Greeley, CO 80634. Interment will be held Tuesday 10/1 at 2:30 pm at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery 12801 W. 44th Ave, Wheat Ridge CO 80033, where he will be beside Joan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to one of the following charities Jim supported for many years: American Heart Association, Colorado State University Foundation, or Wounded Warrior Project.