Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, executive director of the New Jersey School Boards Association, today extended condolences to the family of Sen. Jim Whelan, who died Aug. 22 at the age of 68.

Whelan, a former teacher in the Atlantic City school district, represented District 2, which includes 17 municipalities in Atlantic County.  He served in the General Assembly from 2006-2007; and in the state Senate since 2008.  He was a former councilman in Atlantic City and served as the city’s mayor from 1990-2001.

“Senator Whelan was a lifelong educator who was also a true advocate for all of New Jersey’s public school students,” said Feinsod.  “NJSBA is grateful for the many times he participated in our legislative forums, shared his concerns with us, and listened to the concerns of the state’s local school board members.  We extend our sincere sympathy to his family.”

Whelan, who was scheduled to retire from the Legislature in January 2018, underwent surgery recently to remove a cancerous growth on his kidney; at the end of July, he announced on social media that he was readmitted to the hospital for complications.

He is survived by his wife Kathy and his son Richard.