James H. Wheeler Jr.

Wheeler, James H., Jr. Entered Eternal Life on January 23, 2013, at the age of 90. Resident of Eastcastle in Milwaukee, former resident of Whitefish Bay. Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan to James and Marvel Wheeler on August 16, 1922. Beloved husband for 63 years of Virginia "Ginny" M. (nee Bade) Wheeler. Loving father of Michael (Deborah McNear, MD.) Wheeler, MD. of Mequon, Dana Wheeler Terracina of San Antonio, TX, Katie (John) Mehan of Whitefish Bay and the late James H. Wheeler, MD., III. Cherished grandfather of James H. Wheeler, IV, Rachel (John) Hargis, Michael T. Wheeler, Thomas Wheeler, Peter Terracina, Paul Terracina, Meg Mehan and Jack Mehan. Also survived by his sisters, Connie (the late Phil) Adamek of Menominee, MI, Joan (the late Earl) Delzell of Mequon and nieces and nephews. Jim attended Marquette University and then was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1941, graduating in 1944 as an Ensign U.S. Navy. Jim's career in the Navy was on destroyers in the Pacific Fleet with Admiral Halsey from 1944 through 1946 and the Atlantic Fleet on COMDESLANT's Staff through 1947. He was recalled to active duty in the U.S. Navy in 1951 during the Korean Conflict and resigned in 1953. In 1963 Jim and his wife Ginny established Essential Industries, Inc. In 1997 Jim retired as the Chief Executive Officer but remained the Chairman of the Board. Jim is a founding member of the Blue and Gold Foundation at Marquette University, the Legacy Society at Marquette University, the Alumni Association at the U.S. Naval Academy and the Legacy Society at the U.S. Naval Academy. Visitation will take place at the Feerick Funeral Home on Sunday, January 27, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Monica's Catholic Church in Whitefish Bay on Monday, January 28, at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private at Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials in Jim's name may be made to the Marquette University Blue and Gold Fund, P.O. Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI 53201; the United States Naval Academy Alumni Foundation payable to USNAF, USNAF Gift Processing, 291 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402, the Arthritis Foundation of Wisconsin Camp MASH, 1650 S. 108th Street, West Allis, WI 53214, or Dominican High School, 120 E. Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay WI 53217. Jim's family would like to thank Dr. John Sanidas, the staff at Eastcastle Place especially Mary Lu Karabon, Home Care Assistance especially Andree, Ben, Chris, Jeremiah, Leonard and Rickey and Dr. Yahiaoui and the staff on 6 East at Columbia St. Mary's Hospital Milwaukee.