James E. Whalen

Obituary for James E. Whalen Sr.

James (Jim) Edward Whalen of Burlington, formerly of Medford, passed away on March 8, 2025, at home, surrounded by his family.

Beloved husband of 58 years to Lillian Whalen (neè Hurley). Loving father of Eleanor Whalen of Wakefield, James Whalen, Jr. and his wife Courtney of Concord and Jennifer Whalen-Hume and her husband John of Burlington. Devoted "Papa" to Colin, Maddie, Dillon, Justin, Patrick and Matthew. Jim is also survived by his niece Ellen Schultz of Chandler, AZ and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jim was born on January 8, 1939 in Cambridge, MA to the late John and Ellen Whalen. He spent his early years living in Somerville, and while attending Somerville high led his basketball team to a state championship as a Sophomore. During his Junior year, his family moved to Medford, where he helped the Medford High Mustangs earn a state title, much to the chagrin of local Somervillians. Jim played basketball at Tyler Junior College in Texas and Colorado State before earning his degree at Boston College. He received a Masters in Business Administration from Babson College.

As a young adult Jim spent his summers working at his beloved Camp Fatima in Gilmanton, NH. He often regaled his family of his time spent at Camp, a tradition he passed on to his children and eventually several of his grandchildren.

After graduation, Jim began a 35 year career at Polaroid Corporation. It was during his early years at Polaroid that Jim was introduced to his future wife. Jim and Lillian married in 1965 and settled in West Medford to raise their children. He was a devoted member of St. Raphael's Parish and an easily recognizable figure in Medford. He was a member of the Arlington Knights of Columbus for decades and often volunteered at their charity events. With his seven foot frame, his outgoing personality and the "JIMBO" license plate on his truck, it seemed everyone in town knew "Big Jim."

Jim had a zest for life that was as big as his heart. He had a special talent for telling jokes, always ready with a punchline that would leave everyone laughing-sometimes groaning, but mostly laughing. Jim was a natural born storyteller. His colorful stories, some true, some exaggerated, and all hilarious-were legendary.

Jim had a great love for music and was also known for his singing. Whether it was harmonizing tunes in the car with his wife, Lillian, or performing on stage with his beloved "Singing Grand Pops," he took great joy in music. His love for music was matched only by his love for the great outdoors. Jim was an avid hunter who spent at least one week a year up North with his life-long "Hunting Buddies." As time passed he shared this tradition with his son, and eventually his grandsons.
In retirement, Jim kept himself busy playing in a weekly cribbage tournament, taking day trips and serving as treasurer with the Retired Men's Club of Arlington and acting as the music coordinator for the Singing Grandpops.

Jim leaves behind a family who adored him, countless friends who shared in his laughter, a legacy of joy, kindness, and stories that will be passed down for generations to come. He was the first to lend a hand, the last to leave a party, and the one we all turned to for a good joke or a bit of fatherly advice. Though Jim may have left this world, his spirit remains in every joke told, every song sung, and every hand of cribbage played.

Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours at the Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Chestnut Street in Arlington on Wednesday, March 12th from 4-7 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, March 13th at St. Raphael Church in Medford at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Jim's beloved Camps Fatima and Bernadette. Donations can be made at https://bfcamp.com/about/donate/