James Bernard Wheetman

James Bernard Wheetman, 85, of Stuart, Florida, formerly of Johnston, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025, at Treasure Coast Hospice House in Stuart, Florida. Born on May 2, 1940, in Providence, Rhode Island, Jim was the son of Reginald A. Wheetman, (born in Birkenhead, England) and Ruth E. Elliott (born in New Amsterdam, New York).

Jim spent most of his life in Johnston, Rhode Island. He proudly served in the United States Army National Guard Reserves honorably discharged in 1966. He volunteered with the Johnston Fire Department (Hose 4), and was a devoted member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local #251.

Jim found his calling behind the wheel of a “Big Rig .” He began working for Baccala Concrete Corporation in Johnston, RI in 1964, and maintained a close relationship with the Baccala family, serving the company across four generations. Jay Baccala, the current owner who knew Jim his entire life, remembered him as a loyal, devoted, mild-mannered, hard working friend. Jim retired from Baccala in 1997, after nearly 40 years of service, and later returned part-time each summer for nearly another decade before fully retiring.

Drawn by warm weather, salty water, and boats, Jim divided his time for years between Rhode Island summers and Florida winters before making Florida his permanent home. He lived fully and joyfully—laughing, dancing, and savoring good food and drink. Jim’s circle of friends in Florida grew quickly and deeply; many considered him family. He never passed up a chance to help others—offering rides, lending a hand with moves and projects, buying a meal or drink, opening doors for women and elders—always selfless, kind, and generous.

Jim loved his children, and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also had a strong relationship with the Lord, reading his Bible nightly. Though his presence will be dearly missed, his family takes comfort knowing God has welcomed another angel.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Geneva G. Wheetman; his brothers Ronald Wheetman, David Wheetman, and Walter Wheetman; his son, Thomas E. Hiatt; and his grandson, Vincent A. Voas Jr. He is survived by his sisters, Ruth M. Hopkins and Eileen L. Simpson of Coventry, RI. He leaves behind his children, Bob and Jenus Hiatt, Karen Boudreau, Carol Perez, and Lorraine and David Adam. He will be missed by his grandchildren, James Hiatt and Amanda Karr; Jessica Hiatt; Christina Perez and Talha Humayun; Cassondra DelSelva; Michael DelSelva; Evan DelSelva and Ashley Giguere; and Peter and Jordan Perez. He leaves behind his greatest joys in his great-grandchildren, Paisley Marks, Coltenn and Lola DelSelva, BilliJoe Voas, and Gwendolyn Hiatt. He also leaves behind many dear friends, including ReAnna Phillips and her daughters, JessaRae Watkinson and Jaiden Phillips.

A service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 623 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, FL 34994, followed by a reception at Two Georges Dockside Grille. A second service will be held at a later date at Trinity Episcopal Church in Scituate, Rhode Island followed by a short burial.

In accordance with his wishes, his ashes will be scattered in the ocean in Florida and interred at Highland Memorial Park Cemetery along with his beloved wife.

Forever loved and always remembered, Jim lived exactly as he wished—joyfully, generously, and without regret. In celebration of Jim’s life, his family invites you to raise a toast in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 623 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, FL 34994.