James M. Wheeler

JAMES M. WHEELER died peacefully in the loving arms of his family, on December 20, 2014 at Pheasant Wood Center in Peterborough after a prolonged illness. He was born on June 17, 1928 and was raised in Berlin, NH. He was the son of Carroll and Marion (Walsh) Wheeler. He graduated from Berlin High School in 1946 and received a Bachelor of Education Degree from Keene Teachers College in 1950 (now Keene State College). He was an accomplished athlete in the sports programs at both these schools. He taught junior high school social studies in Farmington, NH from 1950-195l. In July 1951, at the height of the Korean War, he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force. He successfully completed the Officer Candidate School program in September 1952 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. He remained in the Air Force for 30 years, serving in Japan, Germany, Viet Nam, and Washington DC. He retired in October, 1980 in the grade of Lieutenant Colonel. In 1967 he received a master's degree in Public Administration from The George Washington University, Washington, DC. His service awards included the Bronze Star for service in Vietnam, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, and Air Force Commendation Medal. From 1980 to 1993, following his retirement from the Air Force, he was employed by PRC Inc, McLean, VA. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Patty of Peterborough, his daughter, Lara Nielmela and husband Brooks, of Dublin, NH, his son, Brian Ricaurte, and wife Kelly, of Peterborough, his daughter Carol Wheeler, of Arlington, VA and four grandchildren. Jim had a full and active retirement in Peterborough, volunteering for the Town, the Historical Society, and All Saints' Episcopal Church. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends for his warm smiles, his sense of humor, his kindness, and always his willingness to serve. A memorial service will be held on January 24, 2015 at 11:00AM at All Saints' Episcopal Church, 51 Concord Street, Peterborough. In memory of Jim, please consider a gift to the Lindberg-LaCroix Veterans Scholarship Fund at Keene State College. Please make checks payable to Keene State College and mail them to: KSC, 229 Main Street, MS 2701, Keene NH 03435-2701. Feel free to note In Memory of James Wheeler on the memo line. Jellison Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online obituary or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.jellisonfuneralhome.com

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