James (Jim) Whaley of Concord passed away peacefully in the home of his daughter, Patricia Rayne, Jan. 21, 2022. He was born in Concord on July 13, 1924.
Jim joined the Navy at 18 for WWII. He served on several Navy ships and participated in eight invasions. After 20 years of service he retired and moved his family back to Seaford. He began his next career at the Methodist Manor House while they were building it and stayed until retiring again at 65.
Jim loved the Lord and taught Sunday School at Concord Methodist Church. Family was most important to Jim. He enjoyed woodworking and made furniture for most of his family. He and his family enjoyed waterskiing and did so until he was 81. Jim and Bernice put many miles on their motorhome crossing the country visiting Navy friends and extended family.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Dorsey and Elsie Elizabeth Whaley, brothers, Paul and Burton Whaley and a sister, Betty Baldree. He is survived by his beloved wife of 75 years Bernice (Ockels) Whaley; brothers Emory, Bobby and Billy Whaley, and sister, Eunice Townsend; son Kenneth Whaley (Tina) of Snow Hill; daughters, Janice Arney (Kenny) of Bridgeville and Patricia Rayne (Daniel) of Seaford; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were on Wednesday, Jan. 26 at the Cranston Funeral Home in Seaford. Burial was in Blades Cemetery.
To leave a condolence visit www.cranstonfuneralhome.com.