James “Punch” Whaley, Sr. of Laurel passed away on Oct. 24, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 30, 1934, to the late Hayward Thomas Whaley and Meridith Cecilia Dukes Whaley. After graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was a lifelong poultry farmer and was a 50-year member of Shiloh Community Church, Laurel American Legion Post #19, and Laurel Alumni Association. He had also enjoyed coaching for the Laurel Little League and was the past Laurel High School varsity assistant softball coach and was proud to coach the back-to-back state softball championships in 2013-2014.
He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Whaley; sons, James Whaley, Jr. and his wife Tami, Mike Whaley and his wife Dina, and Jeff Whaley and his wife Susan; daughter, Pam Whaley Gordy; grandchildren, Katie Gordy, Kelly Jones and her husband Kyle, Kelsy Gordy, Jordan Whaley, Zachary Whaley and his wife Rachel, Garret Whaley, Sara Jo Whaley and her husband Jose, Jimmy Whaley and his wife Erica, and Carly Carrier and her husband Chance; and great-grandchildren, Parker Gordy, Hadley and Ryan Jones, Rowan Carrier, Everett Whaley, Leonardi Sabinon Whaley.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m on Saturday, Nov. 2 at Shiloh Community Church. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that contributions be made in honor of Mr. Whaley to Vitas Healthcare, 30265 Commerce Drive, Suite 202, Millsboro, Delaware 19966. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.