James P. Whelan, Sr. of Canton passed away at the Golden Living Center in Norwood August 22nd. Born the youngest of thirteen children in Cambridge, MA, Mr. Whelan was educated at St. Mary’s Elementary School and the Rindge and Latin High School in Cambridge. Mr. Whelan enlisted in the Infantry Division of the United States Army and served with distinction in World War II in the European Theater. Mr. Whelan received ribbons from the battles of Normandy, Northern France, the Battle of the Bulge, Rhineland and Central Europe. Upon return from the war, Mr. Whelan was the sales manager for a floor covering business and later operated his own carpeting business for twenty-seven years until his retirement. A lifelong enthusiast of all things sporting, he particularly enjoyed golfing on Cape Cod where he and his wife Mary have a summer cottage. Mr. Whelan was a former Fourth Degree and Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus in Canton and served in a volunteer capacity to the veterans at the VA Hospital in Brockton, as well as the greeter in Canton Town Hall, for many years. Beloved husband for 64 years of Mary (Ford). Father of James P. Jr. & his wife Holly of N. Marshfield & Brian J. & his wife Mary Kay of Canton. He was also survived by two grandsons, Benjamin & Tyler and two granddaughters, Brianna & Michelle. He was pre-deceased by 12 brothers and sisters. Visiting hours at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home 455 Washington St. Canton Thursday 4-8 pm. Funeral mass at St. John the Evangelist Church Canton Friday morning at 10:30. Burial St. Mary’s Cemetery, Canton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Canton Veteran’s Service Department 801 Washington St. Canton, MA 02021 or to the Alzheimer’s Assn 311 Arsenal St. Watertown, MA 02472.