Jimmy 'Jim' Duane Wheeler, age 89, a longtime Atoka, OK resident.

He was born on Saturday, December 21, 1935, to Felix Bob and Minnie Belle (Mowery) Wheeler, at Sudan, TX. A devoted son, Jim, shared a very special bond with his mother. She was his best friend. He was of enormous support and help to her.

Jim passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at Durant, OK.

89 years, 6 months and 12 days. He graduated from Atoka High School and went on to SOSU where he received his Master's Degree.

He retired from Atoka Schools after 41 years of dedicated service. During which time he served as a coach, Teacher, principal and superintendent in Atoka School District.

Jim served our country in the U.S. Army 45th Infantry as an MP.

He married the love of his life, Geronima 'Jerrie' (Rodriguez) on Monday, June 18th, 1979 at Durant, OK. They had a wonderful life together for 44 years before her passing on January 24, 2024.

Jim never missed a Sunday at Lane Baptist Church. One Sunday he went home after Sunday School and the chicken house full of little chickens was on fire. He got it put out with buckets of water and saved the chickens. Jim enjoyed being with his French Bulldogs, fixing up his rent houses, finding things on youtube to watch. As a child Jim enjoyed listening to the radio, riding his bicycle with no shoes and his horse Dolly.

SURVIVED BY SISTER: Bobbie Wilson of Atoka, OK GREAT NIECE: Nichole Rae Lee and children GREAT NEPHEW: Rowdy McKinney and child along with niece, Victoria Maria Macias and 16 other nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear and loved friends.

PRECEDED IN DEATH BY PARENTS: Felix and Minnie Belle (Mowery) Wheeler WIFE: Jerrie Wheeler DATE OF SERVICES: 02:00 PM Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 PLACE OF SERVICES: Brown's Funeral Chapel, Atoka, Oklahoma OFFICIATING: Bro. Larry Luman INTERMENT: Green Meadows Cemetery, Atoka, Oklahoma CASKETBEARERS: Todd Nanney, Rowdy McKinney, Aaron Hise, Jack Lee HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO THE FAMILY BY EMAIL TO: [email protected]. PLEASE REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN YOUR CORRESPONDENCE VISITATION IS MONDAY 6-8PM SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF BROWN’S FUNERAL SERVICE - ATOKA, OK