James W. Wheeler
January 17, 2016
James “Jim” Walter Wheeler
Des Moines
James “Jim” Walter Wheeler, 86, passed away Sunday, January 17, 2016 at Altoona Health Care Center in Altoona, Iowa.
Jim was born November 21, 1929 in Prole, Iowa to James “Jay” Wilbur Wheeler and Anna May (Houghtaling) Wheeler. He married Mildred Olive Books on February 6, 1949 and they enjoyed 50 years and two month together before her death on April 22, 1999. Jim was a dairy worker for 42 years. He was employed with Meadow Gold Dairy (5 years), Northland Dairy (10 years), and Anderson Erickson Dairy (26 ½ years). He served as Marshall of Home Masonic Lodge #370 where he was a 54 year member, Police Unit of Za-Ga-Zig Shriners where he was a 50 year member, Past Chief of Provost Guard #4, Knights Templar, Past President of High Twelve Club, and Scottish Rite Consistory.
He is survived by two children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many close friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Millie, daughter, Ruth Ann Wheeler-Knapp and friend, Winnie.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 21, 2016, with Masonic service following at 7:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 22, also at Hamilton’s. Burial will occur at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery, Masonic Section, following the funeral. A reception will be held at Home Masonic Lodge, 5201 Maple Drive, Pleasant Hill, after the interment.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Rex Wheeler
01/24/2016
slow down death, I'm not ready to go
I've still a bit to see and do
and friends to tell, you know
yes,its true i've done alot,more than most it seems
so how fair is it for you to come,
while i've still hopes and dreams
Just a moments pause, before we're on our way
I'd like to see the sunrise and embrace a brand new day
maybe i could kiss a girl or see life begin anew
A few small things are all I ask, before I leave with you
But if your determined that I must go, please death take me kindly
for I may stumble along the way,
as i've gone through life most blindly
I always thought there'd be more time
for me to change my way
but now a favor i ask of you
could we wait but one more day?
your job is hard and you need a rest
so lets take that day and i'll do my best
to finish all i've left undone
so that i may pass from the warming sun
what's that, you say the time is here
to leave the things i've held so dear
and what is that, ahead there in the mist
is it those who've gone before me
that i have sorely missed?
had you only told me,
though i may not have believed
that all the love is here again
with those over whom i've grieved
I thank-you death, for hurrying me along
unto my earthly end
for i see it as a new beginning
surrounded here by friends.
A PASSING THOUGHT
By, Rex Wheeler
A Friend
01/22/2016
It is so sad when a family is torn apart by life situations. Life is so short - this family needs to heal, forgive each other and forget the past - time should be spent with the family grieving together, remembering the good times along with the hard times, supporting each other and moving on.
This is NOT the time for others to step in just because they want a piece of the pie.
God Bless the Wheeler FAMILY - I hope you all find peace in some small way.
Penney Brilz Smith
01/21/2016
Thinking of you Linda and praying for your strength at this difficult time. I remember your Dad from our High School days ... frankly, he scared me to death. I read the obituary you wrote in your Dad's memory but since then it has been rewritten leaving your name out. Jim, your legacy is what a beautiful, caring and loving woman your daughter has become. Thank you for sharing her with me.
Jennifer
01/21/2016
The bible gives us comfort and hope to see our love ones again at Revelation 21:3-4 God assures us to be with them again.
Doyle R. St. John
01/20/2016
I never knew Jim, however I do know what a sweet kind daughter he raised in Linda Wheeler Johnson. Sorry for loss.
Mike Hildenbrand
01/19/2016
There is never enough time and I wish we had more together. You are part of the man I've become. I am proud to be your grandson and I will always love you. ~ Mikey
Larry Miller jr.
01/18/2016
I will always love you grandpa, I will always miss you. Thank you for loving me,& being my friend.