Obituary of James Franklin Whalen, Jr.

James Whalen, age 70, of Union, KY, was ushered off to heaven to meet Jesus face to face on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, from his residence.  He was a retired (after 30 years) Mail Handler for the U.S. Postal Service, a U.S. Air Force Veteran, and attended Community Family Church in Independence, KY.

Over the years, Jim coached several church softball teams for Crescent Springs Church of God.  He had a competitive nature which would sometimes spill over into playing cards and games with his family.  He hated to lose, but he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and family more.  He also enjoyed watching UK basketball, the Cincinnati Reds, the Cincinnati Bengals and listening to southern gospel music.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Nana Lou Whalen; brother, Tony Whalen; sister, Kathy Metcalf; father-in-law, Eugene Starnes; and sister-in-law, Vickie Unthank.  He is survived by his loving wife (of 37 years), Sandy Starnes Whalen; daughter, Shannon Bedel (Jeremy); son, Scott Gabbard (Amanda); grandchildren, Allyson Craddock (Matthew), Tyler Davis (Kim), Ashlee Brockell, Ayden Gabbard, and Emily Bedel; great grandchildren, Owen Craddock and Alaya Davis; brother, Marty Whalen (Vickie); sisters, Joyce Ellis (Tim) and Beth Amrhein (Tim); mother-in-law, Dorothy Starnes; brothers-in-law, Mike Starnes (Jenny) and Doug Starnes (Tonya); sister-in-law, Becky Kendall (Rockie); and a host of nieces and nephews. 

Visitation for Jim will be Sunday, September 29, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, 11382 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051.  His funeral service will be Monday, September 30, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.  Interment with military honors will immediately follow his funeral at Independence Cemetery, Independence, KY.  Memorials may be made to St. Elizabeth Hospice, 483 South Loop Drive, Edgewood, KY 41017.  For directions, to leave the family a condolence or to view his Life Tribute Video, please go to www.chambersandgrubbs.com.