JIM WHELAN
1978 - 1986
AIRCRAFT MECHANIC
DEN


Went to work for FL, DEN, on Oct.17, 1978 (graveyard shift , line maintenance)
Was recruited by Glen Shouldice in Miami ,Fl. 
Had been previously employed by Pan Am and National (MIA) as a Mechanic. 
Air Force Veteran (June '51 -July 55) A&P School. 
George T. Baker Aviation School for A&P licence training .
On my first Saturday at work it was raining. Had been assigned a partner. 
We had just finished an "A" Check on a CV-580 and were walking back to the line shack 
in the drizzle and my partner said "Jim , it smells like snow." 
My response was "Oh ! Come on, I Know that I'm a rookie here, but snow! It's October for Pete's sake." 
Finished my shift, it had gotten a little colder and saw a few snowflakes while driving to the motel. 
Didn't think much of it, hit the sack. Woke up around 4 PM and looked out. 
There was at least 10 inches of snow on my car and the ground. 
Told my co-workers about my surprise, they just laughed 
and said Welcome Aboard and welcome to Denver.
That started out to be the happiest times of my life.
FL was the best company, the finest people I've ever had the experienced in my life.
-Jim Whelan
(7/3/11)

I got a note from Lois Whelan, that Jim (JL Whelan) had passed away on June 28, 2012.  
I will try to scan and email you the letter--it's handwritten with some really nice comments.  
They lived in Aurora.
-Carolyn Boller
(7/26/12)

I found this on the website--the services were at Newcomer (which is
just down the street from me)...
Jim was born in Coral Gables, Florida on February 7, 1933. He served in the
Air Force from 1951 to 1955 and trained as an airplane mechanic. During his
35 year career, he worked for seven different airlines.
He developed a love for all means of transportation, especially planes. His
love of planes led him to travels throughout the world. His many hobbies
included the Magnificent Mountain Men's Club, Wings Over the Rockies Air and
Space Museum, and the Ambassador Program at Denver International Airport. It
was during these activities he met many interesting people and always
enjoyed each person's life story.
In 1993, Jim gave up his bachelor status and married Lois Linden. His love
of family was very important to him. His family included siblings Julie, Tom
[Carol], Margaret [Alan], and Lois' family Dawn, Laurie, Kurt, Heather and
Joe plus three nephews, two nieces, and seven grandchildren.
A memorial service in Jim's honor will be held Friday, July 20th at 10 a.m.,
Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 13120 East Kentucky Avenue, Aurora, Colorado
80012.
Family requests no flowers and donations may be made to:
Pancreatic Cancer Network (Pancan.org)
1500 Rosecrans Avenue Suite 200
Manhattan Beach, California 90266
Service:
Friday, July 20, 2012 at 10:00 AM
Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 13120 East Kentucky Avenue, Aurora, Colorado
80012
Interment:
Friday, July 20, 2012 at 2:00 PM
Ft. Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Colorado Obituary for James L. Whelan
Obituary for James L. "Jim" Whelan
James L. Whelan's obituary
James L. "Jim" Whelan's obituary
Denver, Colorado
Denver, CO.
at http://www.newcomerdenver.com/obituary.aspx?src=value&obitid=58937
-Carolyn Boller
(7/26/12)

Posted at FLacebook and the FL Club:
DEN aircraft mechanic Jim Whelan's memorial webpage has been posted.
http://FAL-1.tripod.com/Jim_Whelan.html
Still need a photo of Jim.
Post your remembrances.
-Jake Lamkins
(8/2/12)