James A. Wheeler

    James A. Wheeler, 74, of Lone Jack & Myrtle, Missouri, departed this world on August 27, 2025, at home, surrounded by many cherished & loved family members. James was born on April 4, 1951, in West Plains, Missouri, the first child of James and Freda Wheeler (Menear).  James attended Couch School. James was Saved to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at the age of 9. He attended and enjoyed sports tremendously. The Boys basketball team attended Regional Championships in two seasons, the won Regionals once in 1968. He passes his compassion for competition for athletics to his two daughters.

    He met and married his wife, Denise Truitt, on April 4, 1975. They recently celebrated their 50^th Wedding Anniversary. James wanted to get married on his birthday, so he wouldn’t forget his anniversary. This was a long running joke that family still laughed about. They went on to have two girls during the marriage.

    When James was called by his “friends and neighbors” to serve his Countrymen in 1971 he went on to attain ranking of SP-4 during his campaign in the Army.

     James was employed as an OTR (Over the Road) truck driver at BSXpress, Inc. Out of St. Joseph, Missouri for 35 years, minus ten years of moving “back to the farm” when his father suffered a fatal blood clot. James loved the farm, but he also loved trucking. He enjoyed going to new places and seeing new horizons. He was a partner with WW Trucking, LLC and owner of J & D Wheeler Trucking, LLC. He also was a member of OOIDA (Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association). James & Denise operated Wheeler Farms. James was a successful businessman at his endeavors but sometimes sacrificed sleep for it.

    Jim was a funny, loving person. He usually was quick with a quip or a joke. Humor was integrated into his entire life. His last days, he would tell us there was a bad monkey and he needed to find him and spank him for peeing in the house, and he was hauling a freight and going across Arizona.

    James was proceeded in passing by his father, James Wheeler, his grandparents, Fred & Ruby Wheeler and Olga Smith, three brothers-in-law, Mike McIntosh, Bill Mayo, and Steve Pratt.

    James is survived by his wife Denise of the home, Angela Wheeler of Overland Park, Jeanie Wheeler of Jefferson City, MO and grandson Milo. James is also survived by his siblings John and Janice Wheeler of Alton, MO, Sherri Wheeler Pratt of South Haven, MI, Debbie McIntosh of Kingsville, Mo, Rosemary Wheeler Burks of Tulsa, OK, and Jenny Bill Davis of Mt. Vernon, Mo.

    James is survived by many nieces and nephews including Robert Kasten of South Haven, MI, Renee Chet Goff Pullman, MI, Billy Jack McIntosh of South Haven, MI, Jesse Larenda Wheeler of Alton, MO, Chris Wheeler of Alton, MO, Michael John Wheeler of Alton, MO, Keisha Ernst of Nevada City, CA, Aaron Bishop of Mt. Vernon, MO, Robert and Carrie Edwards, of Leavenworth, KS, Michael and Amber Maloney of Kansas City, KS, Lane and Logan Mayo of Blue Springs, MO, Arty Mayo of Kansas City, MO and  many more.

    James was known by friends and family to be a bit of a singer. His deep baritone voice was soothing and calming to those who were lucky enough to hear him sing. He loved his daughters, nephews and nieces. He was around 50 when he would get down on the ground and play with the young children and toddlers. He loved seeing children smile and laugh.

Memorials may be sent to: 

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
1530 Wilson Blvd, Ste 550
Arlington, VA 22209

Officiating will be Bill Davis. Pallbearers will be Milo Moore, James Cole,  Aaron Bishop, Robert Kasten, Jesse Wheeler, Michael John Wheeler. Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Jack McInstosh, Michael Maloney, Robert Edwards, and Chris Wheeler. 

Visitation will be on August 30, 2025, at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri from 1:00 -2:00 p.m.

Funeral will be on August 30, 2025, at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri from 2:00 p.m.

Burial will be at Cotton Creek Cemetery of Couch, Missouri on August 30, 2025. 

Services in the care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., -Thayer, Missouri.