James E. (Jimmy) Wheeler

On October 18, 2018, James E. (Jimmy) Wheeler passed from this earthly world to the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.Jimmy was born on August 14, 1936 in Big Spring to Dona Belle and Stanley Wheeler. He resided in Big Spring until moving to Stanton in junior high. He graduated from Stanton High School and went on to The University of North Texas in Denton.On July 4, 1960 he married Margaret Jeanene Gibson. After their wedding they immediately departed for a 2 year military commitment in Orleans, France. This was a 2 year honeymoon for them and they enjoyed traveling Europe. They made lifelong friends during this time that they still treasure today.After his military service Jim returned to Stanton to go into the automobile business. Jim was dealer/operator of Wheeler Motor Company in Stanton for the remainder of his years. For him the dealership was much more than a place of business. Jim was there long hours and many of his employees and customers became like family. He never met a stranger and Jimmy loved visiting with his employees/friends/customers immensely. He had a delightful sense of humor and a twinkle in his eye and a few minutes in his office would leave you smiling. If you ever needed anything from Jimmy, you knew he would be there. His word was true (maybe not on the golf course) and everyone that had the pleasure of dealing with Jimmy knew that he was honest as the day was long. Jimmy enjoyed serving both the Stanton and Midland communities. He was very active for years in Lions Club, church committees, bank boards, hospital boards and auto dealer boards. He was extremely generous and enjoyed the blessing of being able to share with those in need.During his 60’s Jimmy was able to semi retire and enjoyed spending much time in their Lago Vista lake home. It was here that Jim and Jeanene made many new and wonderful friends. Going to Lago was a haven for Jim and his children used to joke that the minute his vehicle headed south that his whole demeanor changed. The hardworking man that knew only how to keep his nose to the grindstone and had never been shopping, learned to love Costco, golf and relaxing.During the last several years Jimmy was riddled with health issues and pain but he never let on to most people. His motto was get through with grit and no complaints. He treasured his role as a grandad. He was the best “Grumpy” and “Gracoo.” His life lessons and lectures on honesty, hard work and compassion were not lost on his grandchildren.He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Bill Wheeler and Bob Wheeler.He leaves behind his best friend and wife of 58 years, Jeanene Wheeler. He is survived by Gib Wheeler, and wife, Melissa of Stanton and Sandra Evans and husband, Dusty, of Midland and Julie Shaw and David Shaw of Midland. His grandchildren are Andrew Wheeler, Aaron Wheeler, Samuel Shaw, Patrick Shaw, Jonathan Shaw and Courtney Evans. He also leaves behind many loved nieces and nephews, one of which is Steve Meier (his office buddy, his Strawberry and betting partner).In lieu of flowers, the family would like to requests donations to Shriners Children’s Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The Methodist Children’s home in Waco, or the charity of your choice.A family visitation will be held at the Branch at NPW in Midland on Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Memorial services will be held Sunday, October 21, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Stanton.Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Liberty, Jeremy Louder, Johnny Louder, Tony Harrison, Terry Franklin, Gordon Stone, Glenn Rogers, and Corky BlockerArrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,