James “Corky” Wheeler

June 8, 1942 - July 3, 2023

James “Corky” Wheeler, 81, of Beaumont, died Monday, July 3, 2023, at Harbor Hospice, Beaumont. He was born June 8, 1942, in Fort Worth, to Ima Beth Cook Wheeler and James Tillman Wheeler, Sr. Corky was a United States Army Aircorps veteran.

He graduated from French High School in 1960 and attended Lamar University, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

Corky always made time to have fun with Beth and friends. His hobbies included playing tennis at the BPM Club, canoeing with the Canoe Club, Corvette Club events, competition shooting, bird hunting, and his favorite, racing anything with speed. Corky owned midget cars, motorcycles, and dragsters.

He owned Wheeler Truck Body and retired in 2019 after sitting at the same desk for fifty-four years. Corky was elected inspector of Hides and Animals for two terms.

He was very proud of his kids and grandkids.

He is survived by his wife, Beth Wheeler; children, Stephanie Flood and her husband, Martin, of Port Arthur; Robert Thibodeaux and his wife, Monica, Kerrville; Wendi Anthony and her husband, Cliff, of Cedar Park; Wendy Eckert and her husband, Nate, of Parker, Colorado; Victoria Wheeler and her husband, Jake Cornwell, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Mackenzie, Derek, Courtney, Christian, Cladon, C.J., Ashlyn, and Houston; and numerous friends, loved ones, and extended family members throughout the years.

Mr. Wheeler’s memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.

Video

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Memorial Service

Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
  • 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
  • July 15, 2023
  • 2:00 pm

Comments (24)

    Gay and Dixie Richardson says:

    Beth, Dixie and I just heard today about Corky’s passing. We are so sorry and definitely would have been at the funeral had we known. He was dear friend of many many years and I’m sure he will be best by all.

    Gail Rumsey says:

    Robert and I are so sorry for your loss. Corky will be missed by many. Prayers

    Minnie lindsey says:

    Beth and family you have my heartfelt sympathy for Corky who was so loved by all who knew him Beth you will be in my heart and prayers .I will always remember the fun times we shared with the both of you .May he rest in peace

    Patricia/Robert Hernandez says:

    Dear Beth, Corky was loved by many including us. We will all miss him. I believe he soared to heaven on an angels wings.
    Much love to you and your family.
    Patty

    Ed & Mary Burks says:

    Beth, so sorry about Corky. May God bless and comfort you and your family during this time.

    Lynn Snowden says:

    Beth we are so sorry to hear about Corley passing. He was a great guy and a friend for over 65 years. Our prayers are with you and your family. Rest In Peace Corky you are missed by many.

    david leblanc says:

    One of my all time favorite people. Sadly missed.

    Charles Chesnutt says:

    Beth, so sorry to hear about Corky. Its been my very good fortune to have known Corky. Can’t forget and will never forget our tennis era. We had some really great times. He will always remain a lasting memory to me. God Bless !!

    Janet Scott says:

    Beth,
    Much love coming your way. Tom and Corky will be telling shooting stories to all who will listen.
    Praying for your strength and peace during this really hard time. God has him now and he is whole again.
    Love,
    Janet

    Mo Powers says:

    Beth, I am so sorry to hear this. Always enjoyed shooting with ya’ll. Corky was a great guy. May he rest in peace.

    Jean and Gus McFaddin says:

    Beth. Gus and I have many good memories of all the years we participated in shooting together. Corky was loved by all and will truly be missed. We are in Canada but will be thinking of you and your family. Hugs

    James & Jeanne May says:

    Beth, we are holding you and your family close in our thoughts and prayers. Many many wonderful memories of times spent together. Much love

    Jack Langston says:

    I haven’t seen Corky for very long time, he sure was fine young man. Prayers for his family.

    Linda J Suddath says:

    Beth, Paul and I are so saddened by the news of Corky’s death. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Remember to cherish all the wonderful memories.

    John & Betty grigsby says:

    Corky will be missed by all who knew him. He was definitely one of the good guys.

    Dale & Kay Kilpatrick says:

    We have all lost a good friend & he will be missed by all.
    Dale & Kay

    Lynn & Brad Metz says:

    Our thoughts and prayers for you and yours.

    Albert Faggard says:

    Beth,
    My prayers are with you and your family. Corky was a great guy and will be missed by everyone.

    Maureen Croley says:

    Oh Beth, I am heart-broken to hear of Corky’s passing. I know this has been a difficult time for you and your family. I was just thinking the other day about the fun times we all shared, back in the days of motorcycle riding and group trips! Those times will always be sweet memories we will all treasure. Prayers and hugs for you, my Sweet Friend.

    Mabel Matthews says:

    Dear Beth, deepest condolences to you & your family. Corky was a good friend to us & will truly be missed.

    Dan Broussard says:

    Beth, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family. I know Corky was suffering, but as long as he had Beth and friends around he was happy with a smile on his face. Wish i could be there, love Dan.

    Hugh Hawkins says:

    Corky was a great guy and good friend. He will be missed by all who knew him. RIP Corky, and say hello to my friend Nicky Felsher upon your arrival in Heaven. Prayers being said for Beth and the families.

    Coni O’Brien-Little says:

    Oh Beth,

    I am so sorry for your loss but I will always remember the joy and laughter that Corky always brought with him….🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

    Debbie Sanford says:

    Beth, Charles and I are so sorry to hear about Corky.
    Your family will be in our prayers.

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