James Clayton Wheeler Jr.

Surrounded by friends and family, the spirit of James C. (Jimmy) Wheeler, pilot, quarterback and fifth generation Texan, passed from this world on June 23 after a prolonged and valiant battle with COPD.

Jim was born in Dallas on May 1, 1947 to Lois and James Wheeler, moving to Amarillo in 1954. He attended West Texas State College on a football scholarship and was also on the baseball team. "Wheels" was commissioned an ensign in the United States Navy in 1970 at Pensacola, Fla. in pursuit of his lifelong passion for flying. He received his wings of gold in Corpus Christi and was assigned to VR-21, a transport squadron based at Barbers Point, Hawaii. He flew C-118's on missions throughout the western Pacific and U.S. during the Vietnam war. After completing active duty Wheels remained in the Naval Reserve until 1992, flying missions in South America, Europe and Beirut. He began his airline career in 1979 with Texas International Airlines. Mr. Wheeler retired as a Captain from Southwest Airlines in May, 2007.

Jim was a voracious reader, student of history and an excellent writer, having contributed numerous interesting musings published in the Copperas Cove Leader-Press. He spent many years coaching little league football and baseball in Copperas Cove, winning several city championships, making lifelong friends with his players, many of whom went on to play college football.

Mr. Wheeler married his soul-mate Brenda Boyd on 29 Oct., 1983. Their proudest achievement was the birth of their two sons, Samuel Clayton Wheeler (25) and Travis Conner Wheeler (22). He is also survived by sisters Barbara Metker and Patsy June Richards, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was a truly unique individual who carved out his life with vision and perseverance. His son Sam described his father in one word: "honorable". Son Travis said "He was rich in love, knowledge and happiness". James C. Wheeler will be sorely missed by his dear family and hundreds of friends throughout the country. It was one hell of a party, Woodrow.

Services will be held at Crawford Bowers in Copperas Cove, Texas on Saturday, July, 10 2010 at 6 p.m., to be followed by a wake for friends and family at his home.