John Creighton Wheeland

John Creighton Wheeland, who is lovingly known as Creighton to friends since childhood and John in his adult life, was born on January 3, 1943, and left us on January 8, 2026, at the age of 83 with loved ones by his side. A proud Marine veteran, successful entrepreneur, devoted family man, and lifelong adventurer, John’s life was a testament to dedication, resilience, and a zest for living.

As the eldest child of three, Creighton took care of his siblings, learning responsibility and family demands at an early age. Despite very humble beginnings as a young man in Baltimore, he knew how to shine—doing the jitterbug on the Buddy Dean show and impressing everyone with his dance moves. At 18, driven by a hunger for a little excitement and camaraderie, he and several of his friends enlisted in the Marines, beginning a journey that took him from boot camp on Parris Island to Okinawa, Thailand, the Philippines, Korea, and Vietnam. He served with honor and returned home as a Lance Corporal (and with a little bit of malaria!), forever carrying the lessons of listening and leadership that the Marines had instilled in him. While in the military, scaling Mount Fuji high above the clouds and peering down at airplanes flying below was a powerful moment that resonated for a lifetime.

In 1967, Creighton married his beautiful bride Joyce, a love story sparked at a teen center dance—where she made him demonstrate his talents to earn a dance with her. In their early days together, he made a successful living working long hours as a brakeman on the railroad. With Joyce’s encouragement he sought a new horizon pursuing studies at the University of Baltimore in Business & Data Processing to build his future in the world of computers and data analysis. Joyce and John’s only child, Nicole served as a massive motivating force behind moves both in career and geography. Deciding in 1982 to move the family to Detroit from Maryland for an exciting opportunity for professional growth proved to be a beautiful path forward.

Choosing to be referred professionally by name as John, his career was marked by notable achievements; earning Top Secret clearance working with NASA, leading the Software Engineering Services Group at Compuware in Michigan—where his sales performance earned him promotion and respect. A risk-taker, a hard worker, and always ready for the next challenge, John eventually left corporate life to start his own business, turning his dreams into reality.

Throughout his life, John valued hard work and ambition. He was known for his unwavering “always ready” attitude in business. Living by a principle of embracing the moment, whether on the water boating, enjoying travel adventures with Joyce, or spending cherished time with his beloved Nicole and grandchildren, John wanted people to also remember his words: “Nothing beats hard work and having a dream. Keep working, keep learning, and don’t fear failure; success is born from persistence.”

After fifty years of marriage and following Joyce’s passing in 2017, John found happiness in Longboat Key, Florida, in an environment of family and friends. Meeting Jane Hunter in 2018, John spent many joyful days with her on cruises, boating excursions, and golf adventures that kept his spirit lively and warm. After a long engagement, the two recently married. Jane characterizes the eight years with John as the happiest of her life, whether as a partner on the dance floor or in his medical care, she was with him until his last moment. John was incredibly grateful to Merline, his caregiver, during his last very difficult five months of life. Merline’s own soothing voice and big heart helped light up John’s last days. Nicole, his devoted daughter, proved to be a persistent advocate in his healthcare and wellness. She was by his side, along with her husband Ron and children, to comfort and support him at the somber and most challenging times in his illness. Even in the clouds of darkness, John kept optimism, wit, and courage that is to be admired.

John’s love of country and recognizing veterans filled him up in both heart and soul. He leaves behind a legacy of courage, kindness, and patriotism. His family and friends will miss his hearty laugh, twinkling eyes, warm smile, inspiring words, and the love he generously shared. While he’s now in peaceful waters, his memory will forever inspire us to dream big, work hard, and cherish every moment. John, you’ve earned your rest, and your story will continue to inspire all who knew you.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 24th at the Longboat Island Chapel on Longboat Key, Florida. Family members will be greeting guests at 9:30 am with the service beginning at 10:00 am. A luncheon will follow at 11:30 am.