James D. ("Jim") Whalen, 93, Rapid City, died Friday, January 29, 2016, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Jim was born December 27, 1922, to Patrick and Matilda Whalen of Scranton, Bowman County, North Dakota. He was raised in Scranton, attended high school at St. Mary's in New England, North Dakota, and entered the U.S. Army (Air Corps) in February 1943. Sergeant Whalen served with the 449th Bombardment Group, 717th Squadron, out of Grand Island, Nebraska, until honorably discharged on February 16, 1946. In addition to airborne radio operation and transmission (Boeing B-29s), Jim became certified as an aviation mechanic, graduating from Cal-Aero Technical Institute of Aeronautics in 1947.

He married Thecla "Sally" Maliske on July 7, 1949. Jim and Sally raised six sons and one daughter: Patrick, Michael, Paul, Gregory, Timothy, Daniel, and Mary Frances. Jim worked in the Civil Service as an aircraft mechanic at Ellsworth Air Force Base following WWII. He began a 40 year career in life and health insurance sales in the early 1950s. Jim was an avid hunter, fisherman, and sports fan and encouraged his children to excel in myriad academic and athletic pursuits. Jim was a devout Catholic in the Roman (Tridentine) Rite and an active member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Rapid City. He possessed a keenly incisive and discerning mind, taking great interest in local and national politics. Jim was ardently conservative and championed traditional values, individualism, and self-reliance. He loved his faith, family, and friends. Tragically, Jim lost Sally to Alzheimer's in 2001. However, he was blessed with 17 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and beloved brother, John P. ("Jack") Whalen. His surviving siblings include Raymond Whalen, Joseph Whalen, and Frances (Whalen) Murphy. We will miss his company, counsel, knowledge, and humor.

Visitation will be 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Thursday, February 4, 2016 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home with recitation of the rosary at 7:00pm.

A Requiem High Mass will be offered at 10:00 am Friday, February 5, 2016 at Immaculate Conception Church, 922 5th Street with Rev. Christopher Hathaway as celebrant.

Burial will be 1:00 pm at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with full military honors.