James (Jim) Patrick Wheeler, 72, of Lower Burrell, died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in his home, surrounded by his family, and holding his wife's hand. Jim was born in Darby, PA, on Aug. 8, 1952, to the late James Vincent and Dorothy Jean Blair Wheeler. The family soon moved to Lower Burrell where he was a lifelong resident. Jim was also a lifelong member of St. Margaret Mary's Catholic Church, where he attended grade school. His younger years were filled with neighborhood football and baseball games and long hikes through the woods. He often told stories of the fun he had as a child. He then attended Burrell High School, where he swam for the high school team. In addition, he could often be found at the old St. Margaret Mary basketball court playing hoops. Jim went to college, where he ultimately graduated from Duquesne University with a B.S. in Business Administration. Afterwards, he spent a short time living in Maryland before returning to Lower Burrell and beginning a near 40-year career at Allegheny Ludlum, retiring as a quality steel specialist in 2016. During that time, he met his wife, Mary Sue Gustafson Wheeler, and, as the story goes, proposed on the third date. Three months and several proposals later, she finally believed he was serious. They were married months later and began a 46 year marriage and were blessed with five wonderful, talented, and good-hearted children, Theresa Ann Wheeler of Lower Burrell, Susan Marie (Aaron) Kreinbrook of Natrona Heights, Patrick James (Nicole) Wheeler of O'Hara Township, Katherine Jean (Jason) Ruiz of Prosper, TX, and Sarah Elizabeth Reed of Bluffton, SC. All of his children attended St. Margaret Mary grade school and Burrell High School. He has nine grandchildren, Anna and Andrew Kreinbrook, Mark, Grace, Blair, and Dean Wheeler, Addison Ruiz, and Isabella and Abigail Reed. He is also survived by sister, Karen (James) Daley of Mercer. Jim was known for his kindness, light heartedness, and integrity. He had a fun sense of humor, and those who enjoyed his company were those who enjoyed smiling and being happy. Jim's Catholic faith was central to him, and he could be counted on to do the right thing. He served in the homebound ministry and in Meals on Wheels. His passions were spending quality time with his wife, family, and friends. He never had a bad day on the golf course. He also enjoyed fitness walking, financial investing, and playing and watching golf. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, at THE RUSIEWICZ OF LOWER BURRELL FUNERAL HOME, 3124 Leechburg Road at Alder St., where Prayers of Transfer will be said at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, followed by Christian Funeral Mass at 10 a.m., in St. Margaret Mary Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Lower Burrell. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations made in his name to St. Margaret Mary Church, 3055 Leechburg Road, Lower Burrell, 15068. www.RusiewiczFH.com To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.