He is preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Helen Wheeler; the love of his life, Dorothy; and their dog, Nathaniel.
James is survived by his sisters Carolyn and the late Bill Shipton III, and Mary and Guy Scales, of Las Cruces, NM. He never met a stranger and leaves behind many family and friends who will miss him.
In highschool, he was a football star nicknamed meaty, and participated in the letterman's and industrial education clubs. He was born in Paxton, IL, and his passions in life included reenacting in Illinois with Dorothy. He was an avid rifle shooter and won several medals for his shooting and muzzle loading. His other hobbies included woodworking, making moccasins, leatherworking, and working with copper.
Special thanks for the staff of Hospice of Dayton and Our Home for their love, care, and support. The family would especially like to thank Sandy Mulvaney and Laura Lee for being his main caregivers.
There will be a graveside service in Paxton, IL held at a later date.
Donations can be made to the Hospice of Dayton in James' honor.
