James R. Wheeler

James Robert Wheeler age 77 of Merrifield died on March 7, 2019 at his home.  He was born in Brainerd to Clinton and Blanche (Potter) Wheeler on November 16, 1941.  He was a Vietnam Navy veteran.  Jim married Marjorie Moritz Roach on September 5, 1986 at the Ossipee Community Church in Merrifield. He was a retired Potlatch employee with 38 years of service. Jim enjoyed farming, playing in the Country Western Band, inventing and making things in his machine shop, hunting, camping and tending to his garden. For nine years Jim was involved with Kinship Partners, sponsoring Loren Jones.  He attended the Emily United Methodist Church.

Jim is survived by his wife Marjorie; one son, Brian Wheeler; one daughter, Brenda Wheeler; two step sons, Jim (Pam) Roach and Randy (Kelly) Roach; one step daughter, Mitzi Crall; eleven grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren; one sister, Lenea Wheeler and one brother, Clinton (Wilma) Wheeler Jr.; and a special sister-in-law, Ellie Wheeler.

Preceding Jim in death are his parents; two brothers, Burton and Kenny Wheeler; one granddaughter, Heidi Keen and one great granddaughter, Analisa Lydia Wheeler.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby. Burial will be at the Mission Township Cemetery with military honors by the Myrin-James American Legion Post #443. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5:00 to 7:00 pm and on Wednesday one hour prior to the services.