James Joe Hurley Wheiles

On the evening of August 6, 2022, James Joe Hurley Wheiles, 91, of San Angelo peacefully passed into the arms of Jesus at his home.

James was born February 17, 1931 in Luling, Texas as the only child to Benjamin Hurley and Eda Faye Wheiles. He married Marida Faye Johnson on May 28, 1954 in Lamesa, Texas and was blessed with two children, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. After 55 years of marriage, Marida passed away in 2009, but James was blessed in another chapter of his life when he married Shirley Sue Hanson on October 2, 2010. Out of this joyous union, James gained three bonus children, eight grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.

James was a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corp and served as an aircraft machinist during the Korean War. Following the war, James earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from North Texas State University in Denton, Texas. During his career, James served in various roles as an educator, including being an industrial arts teacher, vocational counselor, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent in several school districts across Texas including Ector County ISD, Andrews ISD, San Angelo ISD, and Mullin ISD. Although a master educator, James was truly a jack of all trades. He was also a real estate broker, remodeler, and property manager. He could fix anything, and he loved sharing his varied skills and knowledge with his sons and grandsons. He built an innumerable number of wooden boats with grands and great-grands to pull in the Concho River. There is no telling how many home remodeling projects he helped his family and friends with over the years. James was always willing and able to help when anyone was in need.

James and Marida were active members at Southland Baptist Church, and that tradition continued when he married Shirley. They loved their Sunday school class and always looked forward to times of fellowship and fun with their church family.

James enjoyed many special friendships during his lifetime. He loved hugs and was always the ultimate gentleman. James was a shining example of character and honor. He was constantly holding doors open, escorting to chairs or up steps, and complimenting any lady in his presence. He had a knack for making people around him feel special. James loved traveling, especially to Colorado. He was always up for a game of table tennis, dominoes, cards, or any other game with family and friends. He likely already has a domino game started in heaven.

James was preceded in death by several relatives and friends, whom he loved and missed dearly, including his parents, Benjamin and Faye Wheiles; his wife, Marida Faye Wheiles; his close cousin, Velva Jo Smith; step-daughter-in-law, Sally Hanson; and step-granddaughter, Tina Hanson.

He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Shirley; son Randy Wheiles and wife Jan of Dublin, Texas, and daughter Cynthia Joiner and husband John Paul of Granbury, Texas; bonus son Wayne Hanson of Brownwood, Texas, bonus son David Hanson and wife Cindy of Hico, Texas, bonus daughter Anita Carnett and husband Gary of Garden City, Texas; 14 grandchildren: Jennifer Mangold and husband Scott, Jeff Stafford and wife Lori, Katie Rosser and husband Scott, Stacie Hanna and husband Wesley, Johnna Hooker and husband Jake, Chad Wheiles and wife Jessica, JP Joiner, Sara Cederburg and husband Craig, Susie Johnson and husband Wayne, Scott Carnett and wife Kristie, Cole Hanson, Will Hanson, Morgan Robinson and husband Sean, Jennifer Campbell; 21 great-grandchildren; and numerous beloved family and friends.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Stafford, Chad Wheiles, JP Joiner, Scott Rosser, Wesley Hanna, Scott Mangold, Jake Hooker, Scott Carnett, Will Hanson, and Sean Robinson.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 pm, Thursday, August 11, 2022 at Johnson’s Funeral Home. A military graveside service will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, August 12, 2022 at Fairmount Cemetery followed by a gathering at Southland Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Hillcrest School in Midland, Texas or Water For All ℅ Southland Baptist Church in San Angelo, Texas would be appreciated.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com for the Wheiles family.