James A. Wheeler II, 89
Retired Bank President
Dateline: Mansfield, MA
James A. Wheeler II, 89, of Willow Crossing in Mansfield died on Wednesday April 5, 2006 at The Sturdy Memorial Hospital with his loving family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Marian L. (Shepard) Wheeler to whom he was wed to on June 6, 1942.
Born in Mansfield, MA on February 3, 1917 he was a dear son of the late James R. and Alice R. (Wilbur) Wheeler.
He was educated in Mansfield and was a 1935 graduate of Mansfield High School where he served as Class President. He went on to earn a BS in Business Administration from Boston University of which he was a 1939 graduate.
A prominent Mansfield banker, Mr. Wheeler began his banking career in 1941 when he joined the Mansfield Cooperative Bank as a teller. In 1944 he was elected Treasurer of the bank and a member of the Board of Directors. When he retired as President in 1982, he was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors and, upon his death, had accumulated a total of 65 years of dedication. Recently, Mr. Wheeler was honored as a Director Emeritus of the bank. Mr. Wheeler’s grandfather and uncle had also been Directors of the Mansfield Cooperative Bank, and his mother, Alice Wheeler was the Assistant Treasurer until she retired in 1953.
Mr. Wheeler was a member and Deacon Emeritus of the Orthodox Congregational Church in Mansfield. At the 100th Anniversary of Saint Mary’s Church in Mansfield he was introduced as “Mr. Mansfield”. He was a member of the Mansfield Rotary Club for over 40 years and was honored by the club as a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also a member and former Trustee of the Mansfield Historical Society, St. James Lodge in Mansfield and was a former member of the Spring Brook Cemetery Association.
He was a family orientated person and was involved in many charitable events. He helped many people in life and never looked for recognition for his acts of kindness. He was a lifelong resident of Mansfield.
Besides his beloved wife Marian he is survived by his devoted children Nancy L. Mei and her husband Robert Mei of Mansfield and Falmouth, James A. Wheeler Jr. of North Weymouth and Falmouth and Jane W. Dolan and her husband J. William Dolan, M.D. of Milton and Marion. His cherished grandchildren Jeffrey R. Mei and his wife Amy of North Attleboro, Betsy J. Fanchiang and her husband Eric of Sudbury and Brittany J. Dolan and James W. Dolan III both of Marion. His newly born great granddaughter Lily Fanchiang of Sudbury. Also survived by his dear sister-in-law Frances Pilkington of Mansfield as well as his many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held on Monday April 10th at 10:00 A.M. at the Orthodox Congregational Church, 17 West St., Mansfield. Burial will follow in The Spring Brook Cemetery, Mansfield.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday April 9th from 4-7 P.M. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home 55 North Main St. Mansfield.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Wheeler’s memory to the Arthritis Foundation ,Massachusetts Chapter, Parker Building-124 Watertown Street Watertown, MA 02172.
Following the burial services all are invited back to the church for a time of fellowship and refreshments
For additional information please visit www.shermanjackson.com