James Thomas Wheary

1940 - 2022

James Thomas Wilson Wheary was born on May 19, 1940 in Kenosha, WI to the late Jessie Mae Wilson and George Henry Wheary, Jr. He died on July 13th 2022, surrounded by his adoring wife, Victoria Fazen Wheary and their loving daughters, Heather Wheary Welch (James Henry Welch III) of Northbrook, IL, Jessica Wheary Spiel (George Stratton Spiel) of Plano, TX, Melissa Wheary Bader of Denver, CO as well as his only surviving brother, Frederic William Wheary, of Racine, WI.

Jim was the 2nd of four boys along with deceased brothers George Henry Wheary III of Columbus, OH and Timothy Michael Wheary of Racine, WI. Jim and Vicki were blessed with 55 years of marriage and eight grandchildren, Victoria Elizabeth Welch, Anna Mae Welch and Lillian Kathleen Welch, Allyson Lindsey Spiel, Emily Victoria Spiel and Kimberly Susan Spiel, Logan James Bader and Dillon McDowell Bader.

Jim grew up in Racine, WI and graduated from Cashia Hall Preparatory School in Tulsa, OK. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He served in the United States Army reserves out of college. His primary career was in investment banking where he started out at Goldman Sachs in Chicago, IL, and specialized in Commercial Paper for fifteen years. He moved on to the First National Bank of Chicago, where he ran the Foreign Desk of the Government Bond Department. Jim spent the rest of his Investment Banking career in the corporate finance and fixed income securities area. He then made a change in careers and became a Sr. VP/Consultant for the Richard Allen Winter Group, specializing in Executive Recruiting and Search. From there, he became a Managing Director of Global Financial Services at DHR International in Chicago, IL.

In 1990, Jim & Vicki established Wheary Enterprises, Inc., which is an umbrella company for various businesses. In his retirement, Jim focused his time and energy with the Nash Car Club of America. Jim astounded people with his phenomenal photographic memory of people, places and things from over 70 years ago. He was a natural people person and an incredible networker along with having the gift of being an inspirational speaker. He had a great passion for telling the phenomenal story of his Great Grandfather, Charles W. Nash. He spent the last fourteen years traveling around the country to various events with the Antique Car Club of America, Classic Car Club of America, Concours D'Elegance, Private Clubs, Museums, Schools, etc…He went wherever he could to get the word out about the greatest "rags to riches" story in American Automobile history. In recent years, Jim has had several interviews with Milwaukee Public Television which can be viewed on YouTube. He was also on WGN with Larry Potash in his Back Story show.

Jim & Vicki raised their family in Lake Forest & Lake Bluff, IL for over 36 years. In later years, they moved to Gurnee, IL. Jim's pride and joy was the great love that he had for his three daughters and his "Little Bride". He was always very involved in his girls' activities over the years and was a great supporter of their accomplishments. Jim was also very competitive himself in his love of sports, whether it be playing tennis or watching his beloved Packers on TV.

Jim was always the life of the party and could always be found on the dance floor. He was "Fred Astaire" to Vicki's "Ginger Rogers." He was also "famous" for his colorful patchwork/plaid/Lilly Pulitzer attire at many events throughout his life and he had the charisma to carry it off!! He was truly one of a kind and left an indelible impression on those who knew and loved him. He will be forever missed by his loved ones.

Jim's Celebration of Life was held on July 16th at St. Mary's Church in Lake Forest.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dr Louis Edward Fazen Sr Scholarship Fund at NU Feinberg School of Medicine. The Fund aids medical students in perpetuity. Click on the link below to make a donation. (Be sure to select OTHER FUND & type in Dr Louis Fazen Sr Scholarship Fund)

https://secure.ard.northwestern.edu/s/1479/282-giving/form-bc.aspx?sid=1479&gid=282&pgid=25569&cid=42757&appealcode=FSMOG&utm_campaign=OC21&utm_content=FSMOG&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=fsm