Joseph Gibson Whelan, Jr.,MD, FACR

Charlotte - Joseph Gibson Whelan, Jr. ("Jay"; "Jay Bird"), passed peacefully March 18, 2025, at Southminster Senior Center, Charlotte, NC. He was born in Louisville, KY, St. Anthony Hospital, January 27, 1937, at St. Anthony Hospital. He was a graduate of St. Dennis Elementary School, 1951; Flaget High School, 1955; University of Louisville, BA Chemistry, 1959; and University of Louisville School of Medicine, 1963. He completed a residency in Diagnostic Radiology, 1967.

Jay's initial practice of radiology was with Kentucky Baptist Hospital in Louisville, 1967-'69. In 1970, he then joined St. Anthony Hospital, his birthplace, and became the Director of Radiology, 1975, where he also served as President of the Medical Staff, 1978, and as Chairman of the Medical Specialties Peer Review Committee, 1979. In 1988, Dr. Whelan moved to Charlotte, NC to join his close friend, Dr. Gerald D. Zimmerman and associates in Radiology at the Mercy Hospitals. He served as Chairman of the Medical Specialties Quality Improvement Committee, 1987 - '97. After their practice merged with Charlotte Radiology Associates (C.R.A.) in 1997, he served as the Director of Radiology at the W.G. Heffner Veterans Medical Center in Salisbury, NC until his retirement from medical practice in 2007.

Dr. Whelan researched and published prolifically, and developed several medical devices while in practice in Louisville. One was a surgical T-Tube utilized after gallbladder surgery, known as the Whelan-Moss T-Tube. Nearing retirement in Charlotte, given a fascination and study of hummingbirds, he developed the Dr. JB's Clean Feeder, made in the USA. "JB" stands for Jay Bird, which was his nickname as a child, by friends, and then by his grandchildren. He was involved in many social activities: He was the drum major for the Flaget High School band; a Youth Ambassador for Good Will to Havana Cuba; a competitive ballroom dancer; and an avid golfer.

Dr. Whelan was predeceased by his parents, Joseph G. Whelan, Sr. and Barbara Dorothy Whelan; sisters, Gayle A. Heselschwerdt, Patricia Elaine Swope and Sharon Whelan; and brothers Lawrence R. Whelan, William L. Whelan and Roger L. Whelan. He is survived by his sister, Nadine Kaelin; also by two sons, Joseph G. Whelan III, M.D. and Christopher H. Whelan (Amy); daughter, Anne W. Henderson (P.Q.); as well as grandchildren, James Hawkins III, Christopher Hawkins, Elizabeth Whelan, William H. ("Liam") Whelan, Maury Whelan and Joseph G. Whelan IV; plus numerous, beloved nieces and nephews.

"Jay Bird" was known and deeply loved for his joyfulness, competitiveness, support of people in need, great stories, love of family and Christ, and fervent enthusiasm for the Kentucky Derby and UofL Sports (Go Cards!). He will be missed but always in the hearts and memories of family and friends.

A funeral mass will be held Monday, March 24, 2:00 PM at St. Peter Catholic Church (507 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202). A subsequent funeral mass will be held in Louisville, KY, Friday, April 11 at 1:00 PM, Holy Spirit Catholic Church (3345 Lexington Rd., Louisville, KY 40206), followed by a burial service at Arch L. Heady Resthaven Memorial Park (4400 Bardstown Rd., Louisville, KY 40218).

Contributions on behalf of Dr. Whelan can be made to any of the following of his favorite charities:

Kosair Charities, Louisville, KY; https://www.kosair.org/

Diocese of Charlotte, Bishop Curlin Endowment Fund for the Poor; https://charlottediocese.org/

Catholic Charities of Louisville; https://cclou.org/

St. Martin of Tours, Flaherty, KY; https://stmartinfl.org/

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.