James Whalen

James M. "Jim" Whalen, age 84, of rural Darlington, WI, passed away Sunday, July 14, 2024 at his home in rural Darlington. He was born December 6, 1939, in Darlington the son of Marcus and Lucille (Waul) Whalen. Jim grew up in Darlington and graduated from Darlington High School. Jim married the love of his life, Sherry Hill, on June 4, 1960 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Jim started his career as a farmer and milk truck driver where he drove for Roelli Cheese for several years. As a farmer, Jim raised beef cattle, milked cows, and grew crops with his family. After his time as a milk truck driver, he began driving school bus for the Darlington School District. As if farming and driving bus weren't enough, he also sold seed corn for Asgrow and Garst Seed Corn for several years. Jim is survived by his wife Sherry at home; his children: Mike (Stacey) Whalen, Deb Whalen, and Rick (Amy) Whalen all of Darlington, Jill (Kent) Meier of South Wayne, WI, and Mark (Brenda) Whalen of Darlington; his grandchildren: Allen, Rachel, Dana, Mitchell, Olivia, Delaney, Ava, Brent, Murray, Hailey, Jake, Dakota, Cole, Blake, and Ava; ten great-grandchildren: Maven, Memphis, Ella, Lane, Luke, Mya, Mayci, Maren, Hayes, and Ryder; two brothers: Ed (Kathy) Whalen and Jerry Whalen; one sister: Karen Whalen; two sisters-in-law: Jane Whalen and Marilyn Whalen; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Tom Whalen and Pat Whalen; and one great-granddaughter: Navy Meier. Jim was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and its Knights of Columbus. He was proud and founding member of the Badger State Tractor Puller's Association. He loved the county fair and looked forward to attending every year. He enjoyed spending his time golfing, ATVing, and walking on the walking trail in Darlington. Some of his fondest memories came from driving school bus over the years and getting to travel to his kids and grandkids sporting events, allowing him to cheer them on at both home and away games. His family meant the world to him, and the memories they created together were always near to his heart. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (104 E. Harriet St., Darlington) with Fr. Chris Gernetzke officiating. Burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery. A visitation will be held Wednesday, July 17, 2024, from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church where a rosary will be prayed at 3:30 P.M. by the Darlington Knights of Columbus, and on Thursday from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Jim's name.