Donna Marie James

Donna Marie James, 78, of Crooksville, was called home in the morning hours of Monday, August 18, 2025, at Genesis hospital in Zanesville.

She was born one of seven children to the late, Harold and Mary (Householder) Wheeler on August 17, 1947.

Donna was a devout Christian, making her home in Christ within the walls of the Anchor Church. She spent her early years as a homemaker, her true calling was that of nurturing mother, where she raised her four daughters. She spent her working years at various employers, B-Wear Factory, PCC Airfoils, and retired from the Village of Crooksville in administration.

Donna was an amazing mother and wife, always putting her family first. She always encouraged her children to “do what makes you happy”; to be kind, caring and compassionate and to lean on and support each other. Donna was such a kind and gentle soul. She tried to please and make everyone happy. When asked “how are you?” she would simply state “truly blessed”.

Donna fought for many years dealing with many health issues which ended up stealing her quality of life and causing her great pain and suffering. Despite our best efforts, God decided to call her home. In spite of sickness and illness, she never gave up on her faith in God and is now in heaven free of pain and rejoicing with those family and friends who have gone on before her. Until we meet again. . .

Donna is survived by her loving family, including her husband, Paul “Punk” James; her daughters, Kimberly (Brian) Gibbs, Dee (Dustin) Destefano, Paula (Earl) Scott and Heather (Wally) Moorehead; her brother, Patrick Wheeler; her grandchildren, Bailee Hampton, Jacob Dooley, Spencer Misuraca, Parker Moorehead, Preston Moorehead and Jemma Destefano; as well as her great-grandchildren, Adaylynn Scott, Avery Scott and a great-grandson on the way, Kaleb Misuraca. Donna also leaves behind a whole host of loving friends, her Brown Circle Drive family and the entire Village of Crooksville.

In addition to her parents, Donna is preceded in death by her siblings, Diane Riggs, John Wheeler, Gary Wheeler, Jeff Wheeler and her special grandparents who raised her, John and Anna Householder.

Friends and family will be received from 10-1:00 PM, Friday, August 22, 2025, at Goebel Funeral Home, 36 N. Buckeye St. Crooksville. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 PM with Pastor Aaron Bounds officiating. Donna will be laid to rest in Mt. Horeb Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and CCU staff of Genesis Hospital and Spring Home Health Care for their care and support.