James Wheeler, 86, formerly of Audubon, peacefully passed away on February 7th in Clarion. Jim was born on July 12, 1939, in Leon, Iowa, to Herbert and Marie Wheeler.
He married his first wife and had five children: Jennifer, Lionel, Kim, Allen, and Jason. He later married Connie in 1983 and went on to have three children: Leslie, Lucas, and Lance. Connie passed away in 2001. James spent most of his adult life as a truck driver. In his later years, he enjoyed camping, fishing, road trips, and visiting family.
Jim is survived by his children Jennifer, Lionel, Kim, Allen [Kathleen], and Jason [Jo]; his son Lucas [Samantha]; grandchildren Joe [Kimberly] Chelsvig, Megan [Chris] Taylor, Steven Wheeler, Ryan [Kaitlin] Shillig, Cody Wheeler, Lauryn Wheeler, Madden Wheeler, and Quinn Wheeler; sisters Lois, Bertie Kay, Joyce, and Sonja; brothers-in law Jerry and Ken; along with countless great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and other special family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Marie; his wife, Connie; their children, Leslie and Lance; his grandson, Chad Chelsvig; and his siblings, Herbert, Ernest, Robert, Ronald, Judy, Joann, and Sharon.
Visitation with the family will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Audubon.
A graveside service will be held following the visitation at Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon on Wednesday.
Memorials may be directed to the family to be designated at a later date in honor of James. They may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O Box 201, Audubon, IA 50025.
Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Audubon is entrusted with the arrangements.
