James D. Whaling

1935 - 2023

James Davis Whaling, 88, of Pittsfield, formerly of Stockbridge, died peacefully Wednesday, August 2nd surrounded by his loving family; five children and compassionate wife Patrice of 63 years.

Born on March 10, 1935 in Carthage, NY., to the late George and Ann Davis Whaling, he attended Augustinian Academy, graduating in 1953. After graduating high school, he attended Villanova University, graduating in 1957. He attended The United States Army officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, New York.

James was President and owner of Adirondack Core and Plug Company. After several successful decades James Whaling took his skill set to the building trades of Boston.

Jim was constantly the kind and honorable man. He enjoyed the great outdoors, where he would often be found skiing at Snow Ridge, New York and swimming at Soft Maple, New York. His true passion was being out in the Duck Blinds with his closest friends and family on Wolfe Island, Canada. Jim was a devoted mentor to Joey Wright of Carthage, New York. He was President of the Elks Club, member of the Lyons Club, Carlowden Country Club and a communicant of St. Ann's Church.

James met and married the love of his life Patrice Helen Donnelly on January 9, 1960 in New York City. He was a devoted Father of George Whaling and partner Karen Choquette of Pittsfield , Valerie Whaling of Lenox , Katherine and her husband Brian Carpenter of Stowe, Vermont, Jennifer Keiffer and her husband Kenneth of South Dartmouth, Massachusetts and Clementine and her husband Robert McNamara of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts.

Jim was the loyal Grandfather of Emily and Meghan Ryan, Hunter and Alexander Carpenter, Connor and Mark Keiffer, Maura, Colleen and Dennis McNamara . Brother to George Whaling and Jane Wycoff, and Nancy Whaling Fertig. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours, service and burial will be private. A Celebration of Jim's Life for family and friends will be held at a future date this fall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's honor to the Alzheimer's Association; act.alz.org

To share memories and stories please visit rochefuneralhome.com