Jim started his working career at A & P Grocery Store in Kansas City, MO. He moved to Wichita, where he landed a job at Refrigeration Equipment Company (aka RECO) and worked there for 30+ years, working his way from counter sales to Branch Manager, and several other jobs, finally retiring.
In the summer months, Jim and Jean could always be found at the ballfield watching their grandchildren playing softball and/or baseball.
Jim and Jean were long time members of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church and one of the founding members of Harvest House, and they were also instrumental in starting Harvest House at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church.
Jim was much loved by his family and friends. He will be deeply missed.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 69+ years Jean; twin sons; brothers, John Henry Whalen, Robert Whalen, Larry Whalen; sisters, Barbara Spaulding, Kathy Darden, and his faithful companion, Gizmo.
Jim is survived by his children, James (Jay) Whalen Jr. (Tanya), Janice (Jan) Morgan (Jim), Jill Flory (David) and Jeffrey (Jeff) Whalen (Marcy, decd.); 13 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, 11 nieces and nephews, 24 great nieces and nephews and 23 great great nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, located at 3642 N. Ridge Road, Wichita, KS. 67205. A Rosary will take place at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 14, 2023. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 15, 2023, also at St Catherine of Siena, Entombment will be following immediately at Calvary Cemetery, located at 610 S. Vassar St., Wichita, KS. 67218
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, in memory of James (Jim) Whalen. Donations may be directed toward giving in Jim’s memory, or to be put toward St. Catherine of Siena Out of Love for God Building Fund. You can donate online or mail a check to the church at 3642 N. Ridge Road, Wichita, KS. 67205
