[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 149 (Thursday, September 14, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE LIFE OF JIM WHELAN

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 14, 2017

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jim Whelan, a 
friend, colleague, and accomplished public servant, who passed away 
Tuesday August 22nd at the age of 68 at his home in Atlantic City, NJ.
  Jim was born in Philadelphia on November 8, 1948. His academic and 
athletic career is nothing short of extraordinary. Jim became a 
nationally ranked distance swimmer while pursuing a B.A. in English at 
Temple University, later leading to his induction into the Temple 
University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995 and the International Swimming 
Hall of Fame in 1999. Always passionate about helping others, Jim went 
on to receive a Masters of Education at Temple University, taking a job 
as a teacher in the Atlantic City School District shortly thereafter.
  This was only the beginning of Jim's lifelong dedication to public 
service in Atlantic City and New Jersey. In 1981, Jim was elected to 
his first seat in public office, as a member of the Atlantic City 
Council. In 1990, Jim was elected Mayor of Atlantic City in a 
landslide, a symbol of how beloved he had become in Atlantic City. Jim 
and I served together as Mayors in New Jersey for seven years.
  Jim was an outstanding Mayor, fighting tirelessly to revitalize 
Atlantic City. His work will surely be remembered for generations to 
come as crucial to the growth and development of Atlantic City. Serving 
alongside him as a New Jersey Mayor was nothing short of an honor and a 
pleasure. An even greater pleasure still was his consistent friendship 
and support. Throughout our years of friendship, I knew I could always 
count on Jim as a confidant and for his measured, thoughtful 
perspective.
  As a Mayor, Jim focused his support on not just Atlantic City, but on 
legislation addressing the needs of all New Jersey Mayors and their 
Municipalities through his active service in the New Jersey Conference 
of Mayors. Eventually, he served as President of the New Jersey 
Conference of Mayors from 2000 to 2001. This only speaks to Jim's 
consistent dedication to helping others in any way he can. His decade 
of outstanding service as Mayor led to Jim being recognized as the 
Mayor of the Year by the New Jersey Conference of Mayors in 2001.
  After departing as Mayor of Atlantic City in 2001, Jim returned to 
teaching. Only four years later, he was elected to the State Assembly 
of New Jersey. Two years after that, he was elected to the New Jersey 
Senate. Jim brought the very same traits that made him such a wonderful 
Mayor to legislating on behalf of all of New Jersey. The New Jersey 
Conference of Mayors again recognized Jim in 2009 as Legislator of the 
Year.
  After a life of service to Atlantic City and New Jersey, Jim's 
honesty, dedication, love for his constituency, and kindness will be 
missed dearly. Jim is survived by his wife, Kathy, and their son 
Richard. Jim Whelan's service and devotion to his wife Kathy and son 
Richard were remarkable in every way. He was truly an honorable man who 
made this place better. My sincerest condolences are with Kathy, 
Richard, Jim's entire family, his staff and colleagues during this 
trying time.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Mr. Jim Whelan's 
colleagues, family and friends, all those whose lives he has touched, 
and me, in recognizing Mr. Jim Whelan's remarkable life of public 
service.

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