James L. Wheeler

James L. Wheeler, born April 9, 1932, passed away peacefully in his sleep on his 80th birthday, Monday, April 9, 2012. Jim’s first passion in life was his wife Sue, his family and his grandchildren. Many knew Jim as “Bro,” a man with an unforgettable sense of humor and a pace of his own. An 80th birthday card to Jim phrased it best: “Bro, your laid back style has served you well.” He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3104 in Grand Rapids, Michigan since 1955, and also a member of the Blackhawk Council #3099.

Jim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sue Wheeler; his son Jim (Robin) and their two identical twin girls, Quinn and Parker, all of Atlanta, Ga., his daughter Jamie (Jack) Shavlik and their two sons, Jackson and Max, and his daughter Susie (Guy) Diske and their two children, Riley and Molly. In addition, he is survived by two sisters, Betty Cooper of Dubuque, Iowa and Judy Nawrocki of Grand Rapids, Mich.; sister-in-law, Julie Wheeler of Grand Rapids, Mich.; brother-in-law, Ivan Judson; and his dear friend Samuel Grimes of Rockford, Mich.; along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in his death by his parents, Frank and Eva Wheeler; older brother, Frank Wheeler; and younger brother, Ken Wheeler; along with two special brother-in-laws, Dick Nawrocki and Harry Cooper.

Jim’s last two weeks were spent with his son and family in Atlanta and Easter weekend in Wisconsin surrounded by his family as they celebrated his birthday on Sunday. In Jim’s immortal words: “2 good 2 B 4 Gotten!” Brother Wheeler, we will never forget!

A Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2012 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Sauk City. A visitation will take place on Friday, April 13, 2012 from 4:30 until 7:00 p.m. at Hooverson Funeral Home, Sauk City. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association.