James B. “Jim” Wheatley, age 78 of Rockwall, TX, went to be with his Lord on December 24, 2019. He was born March 22, 1941, in Northville, MI, to Jesse James Wheatley and Frances Roberta (Sutzer) Wheatley. Jim grew up in Colorado, where he became an Eagle Scout, and graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in electrical engineering. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of Captain, and continued working as an electrical engineer in the defense industry, retiring from Raytheon in 2009.
Jim met the love of his life, Lana Kaye Korth, in 1968, and they married on August 22, 1970. They moved to Rockwall 33 years ago and have been members of First Baptist Church of Rockwall for 32 years. While serving there, Jim became a deacon and his son-in-law, Mike, participated in his ordination. He was also a Mason for over 50 years. Jim was an amazing husband, father and Papa. He and Lana held strong beliefs about married couples learning to stay together for a lifetime. They became involved in Better Marriages, an organization that provides support for couples. Jim and Lana served on the Board of Directors on the national level for eight years, serving as President Couple for four of those. They were also active on the state level for 14 years, serving as President Couple for one year. They were involved in helping couples with premarital counseling, as well as other activities. In his spare time, Jim enjoyed travel, especially cruises, reading, fishing and mechanics.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years: Lana Wheatley; son: Jeffrey Wheatley; daughter: Melanie McCarthy and husband Mike; grandsons: Liam and Noah McCarthy; father-in-law: Larence Darrel Korth; brothers-in-law: Darrel Korth and wife Carol, and John Pearson; and two nieces and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister: Martha Pearson; and mother-in-law: Clarella Korth.
Funeral services will be held 1:00pm, Monday, December 30, 2019, at First Baptist Church, 610 S. Goliad Street, Rockwall with Pastors Steve Swofford and Jesse Crouch officiating. Interment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park. A gathering of family and friends will be held Sunday afternoon at The Gathering at Rest Haven Funeral Home-Rockwall Location from 3:00 to 5:00pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Better Marriages at www.bettermarriages.org.
