James Luther “Big Jim” Wheeler

Wheeler, James Luther "Big Jim", of Sunrise Beach, Missouri, died on Friday, February 14, 2014 at the age of 91. Loving husband of Dorothy H. Wheeler; beloved son of the late William and Rosa Wheeler; devoted father of Harlin Wheeler, Teresa Hodge, and Cathy D. Palmer; cherished grandfather of Chris (Jessica) Hodge, Heather Wheeler, Amber Hodge, Chelsea (Fiancé Rob) Wheeler and Alex Wheeler; treasured great-grandfather of Farrah Jean on the way; loving brother of Ava (Rex) Tucker; dear uncle of Regina, Beverly, Dennis and Gary; also survived by great-nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his first wife Stella Lucille Wheeler (West), sister and brother-in-law Dyke and Tilman Vester, and step-son Mark D. Palmer.
James retired from McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis in 1989; he was a member of IAMA for 55 years. He and wife Dorothy lived in St. Peters, MO, where they had many dear friends. In 2001 they retired to Sunrise Beach, Lake of the Ozarks where they made many new friends, and enjoyed fishing and getting involved in local politics.
Dorothy and step-daughter Cathy would like to than Hospice Chaplin Bart Larson for his help and kind words. We would also like to thank Amy, Brittany, Dixie, Jan, Denise, Jeremy and Randy at Hospice Compassus, Osage Beach MO. We would also like to than Donna Griffin from St. Patricks Catholic Church as well as Rev. CD Ryan. We offer a special thank you to Robert, Melissa, Kerri and Tammy of Intrepid for their compassionate and loving care of James.
Memorials may be made to Community Hospices of America or Alzheimer's Association.