James L Wheeler Sr.

James Lawrence Wheeler, Sr., 83, passed away July 13, 2021 at Community Hospice/Baptist South Hospital. He was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina to Charles Franklin Wheeler, Sr. and Martha White Wheeler. He attended local schools and graduated from Massey Hill High School before moving to Lake City, Florida in 1959. James spent his entire working years as a meat cutter, working for over 50 years in North Florida, including the last 30+ years of his career with Caroll’s Meat Shoppes in Jacksonville, Florida. James was a fan of most any sport and spent many evenings in retirement watching his beloved Atlanta Braves, University of North Carolina basketball, and all sports of the University of Florida. Into his 70’s he took pride in maintaining his yard and taking care of his many citrus trees. Upon his retirement, he spent many weekends watching the sports activities of his grandson, James (Jake) Wheeler, III. James is survived by his life partner of 49 years, Jane Hatch; son and daughter-in-law, James L., Jr. and Jasmin Wheeler of Saint Johns; grandson James L. “Jake” Wheeler, III (Katianne) of Brandon, Mississippi; siblings Annie Mensak of Venus, Texas, Charles F. Wheeler, Jr. (Martha) of Albemarle, NC, Francis Wheeler (Donna) of Fayetteville, NC, and Thomas Wheeler (Annette) of Fayetteville, NC; uncle Albert White of Spring Lake, NC; Ms. Hatch’s children Dewalt Hatch (Vickie) and Libby Hatch, nine nieces and nephews and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. A Celebration of Life will be held at St Johns Family Funeral Home on Monday, July 19th at 12 noon officiated by Rev. Wes Slough. The Celebration of Life will be preceded by a visitation at 11:00 a.m. also at St. Johns Family Funeral Home. Interment at Arlington Memorial Park in Jacksonville will follow the services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation in memory of James L. Wheeler, Sr. for the establishment of a college scholarship in his name, for the benefit of a student in the Take Stock in Children- St. Johns County mentoring program. Donations can be made online at www.ink-stjohns.org . Checks may be mailed directly to Investing in Kids, C/O Evelyn Hamblen Center, 1 Christopher Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084. For those unable to attend, you may watch a live stream by clicking on this link https://iframe.dacast.com/b/156599/c/549019. St Johns Family Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.

James L Wheeler Sr.

January 14, 1938 - July 13, 2021