James P. Wheeler

Published in TBO.com on February 20, 2010

WHEELER, James P., 78, of Sebring, Fla., passed away Wednesday, February 17, 2010, at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. He was born in Sebring April 18, 1931, to James P. and Mary Catheryn (McCorkle) Wheeler and was a graduate of Sebring High School Class of 1949. He lived in Everglades City, Fla., for 40 years, where he was the manager of a fish house, before moving back to Sebring.

He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Army. He also played semi-professional baseball with the Richmond Colts and the White Sox and was known as "Mr. Baseball". He served on the zoning board in Everglades City, was an avid fisherman, outdoorsman and animal lover, and attended the Methodist Church.

He is survived by his companion, Joyce Crutchfield of Sebring; son, Jimmy (Lisa) Wheeler of Naples, Fla.; grandchildren, Dala, Jimmy, Deven, Dakota and Mason; and great-grandchildren, Chase and Shaylee.

He was preceded in death by two daughters, Valerie Ann and Kimberly Ann; grand-mother, Emma McCorkle, who raised him. Memorial services will take place at

2 p.m. Sunday, February 21, 2010, at Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home, Sebring, with the Rev. A.C. Bryant officiating.

The family will receive friends the hour preceding the service, beginning at 1 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Research Center in his memory.
Words of remembrance and condolence may be sent to the guestbook at www. stephensonnelsonfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home, Sebring, Fla. 33870