Jim Whelan's Sudden Passing Shocks Officials, Colleagues

State Sen. Jim Whelan, who represented Galloway Township for many years, died at the age of 68 on Tuesday, his office announced.

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Senator Jim Whelan," his office said in a statement Tuesday night. "We ask that everyone please respect the privacy of the Whelan family during this extremely difficult time. Thank you."

Gov. Chris Christie called Whelan's sudden and unexpected passing "a loss to the people of Atlantic City, his district and all of the State of New Jersey."

"During my nearly eight years in Trenton, I came to know Jim as a forthright and honest leader who's word was his bond," Christie said. "While we did not always agree on policy, he was always willing to listen and reason together. The current comeback of Atlantic City is due in no small part to the efforts and passion of Jim Whelan. Mary Pat and I extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to the entire Whelan family. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him."

Whelan was a State Senator in the Second Legislative District, and represented Galloway Township until the township was redistricted into the Ninth Legislative District in 2011. Whelan was first elected to the State Senate in 2008. Before that, he served as Mayor of Atlantic City from 1982 through 1990, and was in the General Assembly in 2006-07.

He was a teacher in the Atlantic City School District from 1977 through 1990, and again from 2002 through 2014. He was born in Philadelphia on Nov. 8, 1948. He graduated from Temple University in 1970, and is a member of the university's athletic hall of fame.

The circumstances surrounding his death weren't immediately known to Patch Tuesday night. In July, his office released a statement concerning a successful surgery to remove a growth on his kidney. At that time, it was expected that he would "make a full recovery in a matter of weeks." A few weeks later, on July 31, he announced that he was hospitalized again for complications related to a blood thinner that he had been prescribed. Earlier this year, Whelan had announced he wouldn't run for re-election.

Other officials were also saddened to learn of Whelan's passing on Tuesday.

"My prayers go out to Kathy and Jim's family," Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian said. "I will always appreciate Jim's guidance when I first became Mayor and showing me the ropes my first few months. He took me under his wing like a big brother. Jim dedicated his whole life to public service to Atlantic City, whether he was serving as a lifeguard, a coach and teacher, Councilman, Mayor, or State Senator. I will keep him and his family in my prayers. May he rest in peace.”

“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Senator Jim Whelan," State Sen. President Steve Sweeney said. "Jim was a true friend, a confidant and champion for the people of South Jersey and the entire state. He gave so much of his life to public service, serving as a teacher, a councilman, as mayor, and for more than a decade in the Legislature fighting for policies to help improve the lives of the residents of the state. He was a man of integrity and honor, and he was a friend to all of us.

“Jim was rarely one to raise his voice, but was a dogged advocate for Atlantic City, a city he loved dearly, and was determined to see it thrive. He was the author of many of the initiatives that have helped to revitalize Atlantic City and will be remembered for that work for generations to come. He will be missed dearly by all of us who knew him, but his loss will also be felt by the entire state.

“I offer my sincere condolences to his wife, Kathy, their son Richard, and his entire family during this incredibly difficult time.”

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Sen. Whelan," State Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto said. “Sen. Whelan was a tireless advocate for Atlantic City and Atlantic County, but he was also an advocate for bettering all of New Jersey. His dedication to his constituents and to public service was legendary, whether it be his time as a teacher, councilman, mayor or state legislator. His commitment to good ethical government and his advocacy for Atlantic City will be his legacy, and his loss will be felt by everyone across our state.

“It’s impossible to imagine the State House without Jim Whelan and his thoughtfulness. On behalf of the New Jersey General Assembly, I send my thoughts and prayers to the Whelan family during this time of mourning. He will be dearly missed.”

"I am stunned by the sudden and unexpected loss of my good friend, Sen. Jim Whelan," State Assembly Deputy Speaker John Burzichelli said. "Sen. Whelan was a great example of what it means to be a public servant. He leaves a legacy that stretches from the classroom, where he guided so many youngsters to a better future as a beloved teacher, to the halls of the State House, where he always stood for honesty and doing the right thing for the families of this state. He was especially a strong advocate for Atlantic City and embracing its great potential. He was a man of honor and integrity, but also good humor and decency

"He was equally comfortable in the company of casino executives or casino workers. Anyone who met him always felt he heard what they said and took it to heart. People in Atlantic City will speak well of him as the years pass on. We are all truly grateful Jim Whelan came our way.

"I send my thoughts and prayers to Sen. Whelan's family during this terrible time. I join them in their sorrow. I will miss my friend."

"I am shocked to hear the tragic news of the passing of our friend, Sen. Jim Whelan," Assemblyman John Wisniewski said. "Sen. Whelan was a tireless advocate not just for his beloved Atlantic City and Atlantic County, but for all of New Jersey. His lifelong commitment to public service will never be forgotten."I send my prayers and condolences to Sen. Whelan's wife Kathy and all of his family at this most difficult time."

Attached image of Jim Whelan posted on the New Jersey State Legislature's website