James L. Wheeler

James L. Wheeler, 62, of Sioux City passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at a Sioux City Hospital. Funeral services will be on Friday, December 11, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel with Rev. Tess Panamarow officiating with Military Funeral Honors to follow conducted by the U.S. Naval Reserves. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. with family present from 6-8 p.m. and a prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Per his wishes, his body will be cremated following the services and burial of cremains will take place at a later date. Arrangements are by Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com   Jim was born on August 4, 1953 in Sioux City to Norman D. and Elizabeth A. (Larkin) Wheeler. He attended Leeds High School before he went off to serve his country in the U.S. Navy from 1971 -1975 with his favorite assignment as a Mechanic on the Admiral’s Ship. Jim was married to Nancy Boulden in 1976 when he returned home and together a daughter Margaret was born. The marriage ended in divorce. He later met Ruth McGraine and to that union a son Brad was born. He was a Mechanic and Powder Coater for many years at various companies in the Siouxland area.   Jim had a passion for building and working on cars or anything he could make go faster. In his free time, he built engines and could be found tinkering in his garage on numerous cars, go carts and motor bikes. If it had an engine, Jim knew how to fix it. He also had a passion for spending time with his grandchildren, nieces and nephews.   He is survived by his daughter Margaret (Aaron) Newton of Sioux City; son Brad (Melody) Wheeler of Salix, IA; and special daughter Jackie Wheeler of Sioux City; grandchildren Ashton Newton; Grace, Colton, Cullen Wheeler; Logan, Lathan, and Lillian Wheeler; sisters Susan (John) Perez of Sioux City; Kathy (John) Neufeld of Finly, NV; Sally (John) Howett of Des Moines, IA and Misty (Scott) Moffatt of Sioux City.   He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Kelly Wheeler and special friend Ruth Sick.