Jim Whelan died as he lived: basking in his love for his adopted hometown.
The State senator and former Atlantic City mayor died of a heart attack at his home in the city's Chelsea Heights section Tuesday. He was 68.
He had ordered subs from White House and was getting ready to talk about his beloved adopted hometown for a Netflix documentary crew, according to a statement from his office.
Producer Fisher Stevens — a director and actor — tweeted about the loss Tuesday night.
"Lost a great man today," he wrote. "Sen. Jim Whelan Atlantic City and NJ legend... spoke truth to power. Will be greatly missed."
https://twitter.com/fisherstevensbk/status/900233018090156032
Whelan had undergone surgery to remove cancerous growths from his kidney in July. Since then, he had been in and out of the hospital and rehabilitation. He returned home last week.
“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Senator Jim Whelan," Senate President Steve Sweeney said in a statement. "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."
https://breakingac.com/atlantic-city-memorial-set-for-state-sen-whelan/
Whelan was born in Philadelphia, but became an Atlantic City lifeguard and longtime teacher. He and his wife, Kathy, lived in the Chelsea Heights area, where their home saw severe damage from Hurricane Sandy.
The family issued a thank you to the first responders of the Atlantic City Fire Department, paramedics, doctors and staff at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center's City Campus, the Atlantic City Police Department and "all the well-wishers who have reached out to his family, staff and friends."
“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," Sweeney said. "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."
Gov. Chris Christie also issued a statement.
"The sudden and unexpected passing of Senator Jim Whelan is an enormous loss to the people of Atlantic City, his district and all of the State of New Jersey," Christie said. "During my nearly eight years in Trenton, I came to know Jim as a forthright and honest leader whose word was his bond. 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."
