James Darwin "J.D." Wheat

J.D. was born on Thursday, May 26, 1932, in the Buck Branch community of Poplarville, Mississippi, to Daniel and Josephine Wheat. At the age of 17, he joined the United States Air Force as a Radio Operator/Waist Gunner, fought 2 wars (Korea and Vietnam), and retired as a TSgt in Oct. 1969 after 20 years of faithful service. During his military career, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, UN Service Medal, Air Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Bronze Star.

While serving in the Air Force, J.D. met the love of his life, Priscilla, who was also enlisted in the Air Force. They were wed on March 1st, 1954 in San Antonio, TX. Together, they raised their two children while traveling to a multitude of duty stations that included Japan, Turkey, and Alaska, and eventually settling back home to live out their lives together.

Following his military retirement, J.D. continued his public service with a twenty-year career with the United States Postal Service, started the Amackertown Vol. Fire Dept with the community, and served on the Poplarville School Board. He then went on to serve Pearl River County as Civil Defense Director, then a Sheriff’s Deputy, and then completed his working years as a Court Bailiff.

J.D. was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Crossroads, MS, and a Freemason. He enjoyed having a good time with his family and friends, farming, football, hunting, fishing, politics, and George Jones.

J.D. will be remembered for his service, love for his country and community, his work ethic, and his devotion to family and friends.

In addition to his parents Daniel and Josephine, J.D. is preceded in death by his wife, Priscilla Wheat; and his siblings, Glennis Wheat (Oneta), Clarence Wheat (Myra), Ethel Mae Amacker (Robert), Clyde Wheat (Ethel), Myra Lee Dawsey (Ralph), Francis “Doll” Tynes (Dwight), Iva Lee Wheat (Elsie), Willie Wheat (Gene) and two infants.

Left to forever cherish his memory are his son, James Daniel “Jimmy” Wheat (Sandra); daughter, Angela Woodall; his grandson, James Woodall (Shelby); and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and relatives. He will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Bethel Baptist Church in Crossroads, Mississippi beginning at 1:00 pm. Friends are invited to join the family for visitation from 11:00 am until the service begins. Burial will immediately follow at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery.