Temple Mourns Passing of Athletics Hall of Famer Jim Whelan

PHILADELPHIA - Temple University mourns the loss of one of its distinguished alums and an Athletics Hall of Famer with the sudden passing of New Jersey State Senator Jim Whelan. He was 68.

"All of Temple University mourns the passing of New Jersey State Senator Jim Whelan," said Temple Director of Athletics Dr. Patrick Kraft. "An All-American swimmer and a member of our Athletics Hall of Fame, Jim was a champion in not only sports, but in life. He impacted so many of his constituents in a positive way through his over 30 years of public service. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

As a student-athlete at Temple, Whelan earned a host of honors. The Philadelphia native was the holder of three University records and earned All-American honors in the 500 and 1650 freestyle events. During the 1968 and 1969 seasons, he captured four Middle Atlantic Conference championships in distance freestyle events. He was undefeated his senior year (1969-70) and graduated Cum Laude from the University ('70).

Whelan was named Temple's head swimming coach in 1974 and coached the Owls for three years. He stayed active in swimming after his graduation and was a professional marathon swimmer, ranking ninth in the world in 1978. While working with the Atlantic City Beach Patrol, he won numerous ocean swimming championships.

However, it was in public service where he really excelled.

In 1977, Whelan began his teaching career in the Atlantic City School System. He then went into politics, first serving as a member of city council before winning the Atlantic City mayoral race in 1990. He would serve three terms as mayor, where he championed redevelopment. He would take his career to the state level in 2005, winning a seat on the New Jersey State assembly in 2005. In 2007, he ran and won the New Jersey Senate seat vacated by William Gormley. He was set to retire from the senate and public life in January.

"I've had a great run," he told NJ Advance Media at the announcement of his retirement. "I'm at a point where I thought it was time to move on and give someone else an opportunity."

Whelan is survived by his wife Kathy and son Richard.

Temple University Athletics

Temple Mourns Passing of Athletics Hall of Famer Jim Whelan

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