WEBSTER – James F. “Jim” Wheeler, Sr., 78, died Wednesday, May 16, 2019 in his home surrounded by his family.
He leaves his sweetheart and wife of almost 59 years, Madeline R. (Jacob) Wheeler; 3 children, Debbie M. Martin of Oxford, James F. “Dino” Wheeler, Jr. and his girlfriend Suzanne Miller of Webster, and Linda J. Rzeszutko of Putnam, CT; 5 grandchildren, Kristine Martin, Michael Martin and his wife Regina, Jennifer Weiss, Tyler Weiss and Jacob Wheeler; 2 great-grandchildren, Hannah and Nathan Dion; 3 sisters, Unabelle Tubbs and Judy Wheeler, both of Florida, and Edith Green of Connecticut; a brother, George Wheeler of Connecticut; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, James Rzeszutko in January of this year, by his brothers Thomas, Richard, Robert and David Wheeler, and by his sister Marie Richer.
He was born in Hartford, CT on December 17, 1940, one of the ten children of Richard and Doris (Matthewson) Wheeler, and lived in the Thompson area during his younger years. He graduated from Tourtelotte Memorial High School in North Grosvenordale in 1958 and on July 4, 1960 married the love of his life Madeline.
Mr. Wheeler began his career as an autobody mechanic, owning Wheeler Autobody in Webster for 15 years. He then worked in construction for Local #243 in Auburn until his retirement in 1999.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and lots of traveling, including long drives in different parts of the country with his wife. His greatest happiness was spending quality time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: he enjoyed playing with them and being a “big kid” himself.
In keeping with Jim’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster.