James “Jim” W. Wheeler, 73, of Loves Park, IL passed away on June 4, 2022 in Delafield, WI. He was born in Peach Orchard, AR on August 5, 1948 to William and Ida Mae (Rawls) Wheeler. Jim proudly served in the Army and was a Vietnam War Veteran. He married Catherine Ball in Duncombe, IA on April 24, 1976 and together they raised 4 wonderful children. Jim was employed at Amerock in Rockford, IL for over 30 years. He and his wife Cathy were longtime members of St. Bridget and St. Edwards’s Catholic Church. Jim loved to play cards, especially Cribbage. He enjoyed fishing with his family and every fishing trip Jim would be sure to say, “Did ya hear that?” Jim was an avid Green Bay Packer and St. Louis Cardinal fan. He was known as a stubborn old man but would give his shirt off his back to anyone. His family meant the world to him but he especially liked spending time with his grandkids. Jim will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him.
Jim is survived by his wife of 46 years, Cathy Wheeler; his children, Joshua Wheeler, Kelli Menz, Doug (Renee) Wheeler, and Andy (Holly) Wheeler; his grandchildren, Trey, Alizabeth, Anastajia, Aleighna, Zachary, Lucas, Addyson, Makenna, and Delaney; and his brother, Greg (Debbie) Wheeler. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Cleaona (Ray) Ingram, Carleen (Bill) Fisher, and Kathy Ann Wheeler.
The family would like to extend a special Thank You to Dr. Jonathan Ferguson for saving Jim’s life and giving them all 30 more years with him. Also to all of the family, emergency crews, and hotel staff in Delafield for all of their compassion and care.
Funeral Mass for Jim will take place at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave., Loves Park, IL 61111. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM – 7:00PM with Rosary and prayer at 7:00 PM on Monday, June 13, 2022 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd., Machesney Park, IL 61115. Burial to follow Mass at Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials can made to the family to donate to a Veteran organization at a later date.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com for the Wheeler family.
