MOUNT VERNON — James T. Wheeler, 54, of Teryl Drive, Mount Vernon, died Monday, Dec. 14, 2009, at Autumn Health Care in Mount Vernon surrounded by his loving family.
He was born June 9, 1955, in Seneca, S.C., to James and Betty (Hancox) Wheeler. James was a 1973 graduate of Westminster High School in South Carolina. Upon graduation James enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served from 1974 to 1995. During the onset of the Persian Gulf War, James was assigned to the U.S.S. Blue Ridge based out of Yokosuka, Japan. Having a specialty in communications, he was assigned as Marine Communication Detachment and received a citation based upon his duties in the World Wide Military Command and Control System. After the war, James continued his Marine Training of reservists in Chattanooga, Tenn. Upon his retirement from the Marine Corps, James received his B.A. in Business Administration with a minor in Information Systems. He recently worked as an infrastructure analysis for Digicon in Columbus, Ohio, who contracted with DSCC in Columbus, Ohio.
James was a member of the First Christian Church and Mount Zion Lodge 9 F & AM in Mount Vernon, and was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He is survived by his wife, Aaralyn (Curry) Oakley-Wheeler; his mother of Seneca, S.C.; a stepson, Aaron Oakley of Mount Vernon; a brother, Travis (Donna) Wheeler of Seneca, S.C.; a sister, Vicki Woodall of Seneca, S.C.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father; and a sister, Lannice Wheeler.
A memorial service, with military honors provided by the Knox County Joint Veterans Council, will be held at a later date. The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home of Mount Vernon is honored to serve the family of James T. Wheeler.
Memorial contributions in James’ name may be made to Odyssey Hospice, 540 Office Center Place, Suite 100, Gahanna, OH 43230. This obituary and guest registry are online at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.