James David Whalen

James David Whalen, 84, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 15, 2017.

Jim was born July 21, 1932, in Empire, WI, the son of TJ and Rose (Promen) Whalen. Jim grew up in Fond du Lac. He graduated from Goodrich High School's Class of 1950, University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh's Class of 1955, and University of Minnesota – Winona's Class of 1964.

On December 26, 1953, Jim was united in marriage to his beloved wife, Doris (Hall). In 1956, Jim and Doris moved to the Randolph area. Jim was a guidance counselor and taught in the Randolph School System until he was 70 years old. The longevity of his career spoke to his love of education and guiding others.

Throughout his life, he put family first and was reliable, honest, steadfast, and trustworthy. He was a devout Catholic, a member of Annunciation Catholic Church in Fox Lake, an avid sportsman, world traveler, skier of the world, and a voracious reader (he never stopped learning and experiencing new things). If ever asked what he wanted to see in his travels, he would say “everything!”

Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Doris, his parents, and his sister, Marie LaVigne.

Jim is survived by his three children, Dennis (Jann) Whalen of Loveland, CO, Danice (Jim) Herald of Green Bay, WI, and James Patrick (Greg McDaniel) Whalen of Los Angeles, CA; grandchildren, Dana Leigh Anderson of Wellington, CO, and Logan James and Liam Greg McDaniel-Whalen; step-grandchildren, Dawn Bryant of Tyler, TX, April Herald (Peter) Buhl of Atherton, CA, and Jessica Herald (Jeff) Astarita of Longwood, FL; great-grandchild, Leigh Anne Anderson of Wellington, CO; step-great-grandchildren, James and Bri Bryant of Tyler, TX, Summer and Sabrina Buhl of Atherton, CA, and Elizabeth and Matthew Astarita of Longwood, FL. He is further survived by his twin sister, Joan (Whalen) Hecker of Green Bay, WI.

The Mass of Christian Burial will held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, June 28, 2017, at the Annunciation Catholic Church (305 W. Green St., Fox Lake), with Reverend John J. Radetski officiating. Interment will follow in the Annunciation Catholic Cemetery of Randolph. Jim’s family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday at the church from 9:00 A.M. until the hour of service.

A Memorial Fund is being established for medical defibrillators in the Randolph school system.