James D. Sr. Whalen

Whalen, James D. Sr. “Rocky”, of Dayton, OH passed away on Monday, October 22 at his home. A native Daytonian, he graduated from Oakwood High School in 1941 and the University of Dayton in 1947. Rocky was a three year veteran of World War II serving in the Army. He retired from Rike’s/Federated Department Stores after 35 years of service. Rocky was a life-long collector of college football memorabilia, authored several articles and books on college football, and was a noted football historian. He amassed a collection of over 1000 key football programs dating back to the late 1800’s. Rocky was an active member of Holy Angels Church, Dayton, Ohio, and was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Collette Whalen. Rocky is survived by his loving wife, Jean Whalen (nee LeBoeuf), of 59 years; sons, Robert (Janine) Whalen, Thomas Whalen, James (Tami) Whalen, and daughter Mary Kay (Edward) Buffington, all living in Dayton; grandchildren, Lesley, Christy, Michael, Thomas, Elizabeth, John, and Anne Whalen, and Theodore and Jack Buffington; and brother, Charles (Barbara) Whalen of Bethesda, MD. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday 26 October 2007, at 11:00 AM at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 1322 Brown St., Dayton, Ohio. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Dayton, OH. Friends may visit at the Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering from 4-7:00 PM on Thursday, October 25, 2007. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420. Condolences can be sent to the family via the internet on WWW.ROUTSONG.COM

Funeral Home:
Centerville Routsong Funeral Home
2100 E. Stroop Rd.
Kettering, OH
US 45429