Jim Wheeler

With ways all his own, Jimmy Wheeler enriched the lives of all around him. He had the unique gift of touching others with his inquisitive nature, and genuine, loving demeanor. He naturally drew others to his side, and always seemed to bring out the best in people. Jim’s sincerity, warmth, and humor blessed his family beyond compare, and taught several generations the true meaning of God’s grace, kindness, understanding, respect, and compassion while approaching life with candor and humor. For these things and so much more, Jimmy leaves endless memories to be forever cherished.

The 1950s marked a quieter, more stable time in America. The post World War II baby boom continued as families moved to newly developed suburbs, and in 1951, the Ford Motor Company had an edge over its competitors while the term, "rock and roll" was all the rage. Life was good, especially for Richard and Virginia (Linihan) Wheeler of Kalamazoo, Michigan when on January 5, 1951 they celebrated the birth of their little boy, James Francis Wheeler.

One of ten children, Jimmy was lovingly raised alongside his siblings, and throughout his 63 years, they were a source of encouragement and love in his life. They, along with their spouses and families, expressed their loving support for Jimmy and enriched his life in countless ways. From Sunday dinners to trips to the root beer stand; car rides, filet-o-fish sandwiches, and chocolate chip cookies; breakfast at Theo and Stacey’s, and visits to their homes; phone calls he received from them as well as stuffed animals, warm blankets, baseball caps, coffee mugs, Western Michigan gear, cards, and Three Musketeer’s bars, Jim lived a full and meaningful life through those who knew him best. Even his in-law's families took him into their hearts and homes as an extended family member.

It was easy to smile when Jimmy was around as he had the unique ability to cast a grin across the faces of everyone he met. Over the years, his “Jimmyisms” delighted all in his company, such as “cup-o-coffee”, “Traverse City here I come”, “Kathy, you get me candy?”, “pretty good”, “Jeff Bruggeman’s a bacon thief”, “Hi, how are you?”, and “Too bad Margaret, too bad”. He liked his routine, and knew it well. “Where I going on Sunday?”, “I go to Pat’s or Joyce’s”, “When I comin' home again?”. He always looked forward to the annual family reunions, always asking, “When’s the family reunion?” Jim expressed himself in countless ways, including, “what a day, what a day!”, and when he was out and about, he'd let you know when, “I wanna go home”. He would gladly take “any two dollar bills”, and rooted for his favorite team, “Go Tigers!”. In any situation, Jim had a ready observation and comment to share.

For many years, Jim was a walking TV Guide. He always knew what show was on, which channel, and the correct time. While living in their family home at 909 Clinton, Jim would sit on the stool in the den, six inches from the TV screen, legs crossed, and his chin resting on his hands watching his favorite shows. When he was little, he'd wear his cowboy hat and holster, often nodding his head telling Joe Cartwright, the Lone Ranger, Tonto, or Lassie to “be careful --- watch out” for the bad guys. And he'd often exclaim, "go get ‘em, pow, pow, pow”, and “Hi ho Silver”. Heaven forbid anyone changed the channel or interrupted his TV time when Jim watched his shows, drank a cup of coffee, or sipped on a Pepsi.

As a youngster, Jimmy sometimes wandered out of the house to visit neighbors on Clinton and Egleston Avenues. They always brought him back home, sometimes after treating him to milk and cookies. He loved getting to know people, visit with them, and wasn't afraid to ask questions. Once people got to know him, they couldn't help but love and appreciate him, and were always taken with his beautiful eyelashes. Jim possessed a special gift of touching the hearts of all, and anyone who knew Jim cared about him throughout his life.

One of Jim's greatest joys was greeting family members with one of his tremendous hugs, a big kiss on the cheek, or one of his infamous love punches. He also had an amazing memory. Jim knew everyone by name, and recognized voices on the phone. Jim loved family gatherings and especially enjoyed family weddings where he could dance to his heart's content. Family members truly enjoyed dancing with him and the memories made of great times jamming with James Francis on the dance floor. Along with his enjoyment of attending family reunions, he also liked traveling with his family, including trips to Traverse City and Beaver Island.

Throughout the years, Jimmy made days brighter for all, and fond memories continue to grace the hearts of his family. Perhaps one of their favorites was Jim's arrival at his mother's funeral. Decked out in a suit, tie, and trench coat, Jim came in, turned around, and gladly announced, “Hollywood, here I come! Let’s get this show on the road!” During the service, Jim told family and friends alike it was his birthday. He also made the comment, “My mom died. Who’s going to be my new mom?” After the funeral, while celebrating his birthday, Jim pulled a large role of bills from his pocket. He tapped his head, giggled, and replied, “I got money for my birthday!” This was classic for James Francis Wheeler. Always stealing the show, warming hearts, and ending up with a billfold of money!

Early on in his life, Jim's parents wanted him to have opportunity. They strived for others to have a better understanding of people with disabilities, and in so doing, were a big part of a group of people who started the Kalamazoo Association for Retarded Citizens. Jim went on to become a resident of Hoard Manor and attended the skill building day program at the Alcott Center. He participated in Special Olympics, liked bowling, and enjoyed a wonderful trip to Disney World. Over the last few years, Jim developed into a talented photographer while attending the day program at Alcott. He greatly enjoyed the many outings and activities through time spent there. At Hoard Manor, Jim often returned from an outing and knew if something was out of place, like asking, “Where’s the van?” or where one of his caretakers or housemates was all while walking through the house, surveying the situation to make sure things were, “A-OK”.

Jim was a big Detroit Tigers fan, and attended several of their games. He was also an avid collector of baseball caps, especially the Detroit Tigers. He was always asking his family, "Did you bring me a Detroit Tigers cap?”, and they did, time and time again! Once while on their way to a family reunion on Beaver Island, Jim was sitting on the outside deck of the ferry and his baseball cap blew off into Lake Michigan. Jim simply replied, “Uh-oh, need a new cap.” No worries because there was a drawer full of caps at home for Jim to choose from. He was the ultimate master of managing his personal inventory and requesting new supplies and stock whenever needed.

In all ways, Jim was truly a beloved son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend who enriched lives with ways all his own. He brought out the best in everyone as his warm and sincere nature shown bright. This gift carried on into the hearts and lives of his family in profound ways. This was especially true over the past several weeks of Jimmy's life as they joined together as a family to offer Jim their love, care, and support on his final journey. With heavy hearts and tremendous sadness, they bid farewell to Jimmy as he went home to be with God. However, in the spirit of Jim, they are assured he went on his way saying, “Heaven, here I come!” He probably asked for a cup-o-coffee, and arrived with a, “Hi Mom”. Deeply missed, Jim Wheeler will be fondly remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

James Francis Wheeler, age 63, died Sunday, December 28, 2014 in Kalamazoo. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard J. and Virginia L. Wheeler; sister, Margaret M. McGuire; and nephew, Richard G. Wilcox. Surviving are his eight siblings and spouses, Patricia (Leonard) Wilcox, Michaelyn (Edwin) Page, Richard (Patricia) Wheeler, Joyce (Duane) Meulman, Robert Wheeler, Timothy (Michele) Wheeler, Kathleen (Jeffrey) Bruggeman, and Marc (Gloria) Abbott-Wheeler; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and brother-in-law, Givel McGuire.

Visit with Jim's family and friends on Friday from 5-8 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, (Stadium Dr. W. of 131), where a Prayer Service will be held at 7:30 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, January 3, 2015, 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church with interment in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Jim's family wishes to express gratitude to their extended family and friends for the love and support Jim and his family received throughout the years. They also extend special thanks to the communities at Residential Opportunities Inc. and Alcott Center for providing many years of residential and support services for Jim. A final thank you to the Neurovascular Unit staff at Bronson Hospital for the end of life care given to Jim. Please visit Jim’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory or photo of Jim and sign his online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Community Advocates for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (formerly Association for Retarded Citizens) or to a charity of your choice.