James O. Wheeler Jr.

Born in Missouri his family moved to Wichita where he graduated from East High School, He worked at the Eaton Hotel as a doorman in downtown Wichita. Jim went on to work for Graves Truckline for 50 years, a job he enjoyed and loved to talk about. He drove his semi pulling piggyback trailers and had a perfect driving record his entire career.

Jim was a member of the Midian Shrine for 50 years and played the drum with the Midian Shrine Bagpipe and Drum Corps. He enjoyed marching in numerous parades and endless events. The Children’s Shrine Hospital held a special place in his heart.

Jim enjoyed country music, honky tonk and was quite the dancer. He loved to work with his hands making beautiful bookcases and other nice pieces of woodwork. His love of sports teams were KU Jayhawks and K-State Basketball. He cheered on his favorite football teams, The Pittsburg Steelers and of course Kansas City Chiefs.

Jim and Barbara were married for 52 years and between the pair have 4 daughters and 1 son. Barbara made Jim’s life complete and happy. They enjoyed traveling, working in the yard and spending time with their family and giving several special dogs the best life ever.

Jim lived a long full life and his “dash” was full of good memories for us all. The last few years of life were rough health wise and would not have been possible without the love of his life Barbara.

He is preceded in death by his parents Denny and James O. Wheeler Sr.; sisters Dorothy Stewart and June Seglem; brothers Joe and Tony Turner; son in law Marty Stump; daughter Christina Morgan; and grandsons Adam and Issac Stump.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Wheeler; much loved dog, Sugar Bear; children: Valerie Stump, Stephanie Myers, Bob Hodge, Kim Ryan (Dan); 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

A visitation for James will be held Monday, February 5, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209.

A Funeral Service will occur Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 10:30 AM at Central Community Church, 6100 W Maple St, Wichita, KS 67209 with a Graveside Service immediately to follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209.