James Wheeler

New London — James S. Wheeler, 99, of Niantic, died Friday, Sept. 29, 2017, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital. His beloved wife of 65 years, Joan (Hunter) Wheeler, predeceased him in 2010.

Jim was born on June 8, 1918, in New London, the son of Edwin and Nita (Stebbins) Wheeler. He graduated from Chapman Tech High School in 1937 and honorably served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. He was then employed as assistant manager at the Crocker House in New London until it closed in 1972. He worked for the Town of East Lyme during his last 15 years prior to retirement.

Jim was a member of the Flanders Baptist and Community Church and was a deacon for many years. He was a member and past master of Union Lodge No. 31, and was also a 32nd degree Mason with the Norwich Valley Scottish Rite. He and Joan were active members of the Appalachian Mountain Club, and together, they maintained the Nayantaquit Trail in Nehantic State Forest for many years.

Jim and Joan were passionate about traveling and enjoyed many wonderful trips together throughout the United States and Europe. They also enjoyed camping in their RV and hiking all over New England, with a special fondness for the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Jim was a quiet man with great integrity. He was kind and loving and will be remembered for his grace and above all, for being the consummate gentleman.

Jim is survived by his son, Thomas (Lorraine) Wheeler of New Jersey; two daughters, Linda (Robert) Bendfeldt of Niantic and Karen (Thomas) Scott of East Lyme; seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-inlaw, Angeline Hunter of State College, Pa.

He was predeceased by a brother, Charles Wheeler.

The family would like to thank the staff at Crescent Point for the wonderful care Jim received during the past two plus years.

A memorial service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, at Flanders Baptist Church, Boston Post Road, East Lyme, CT 06333.

Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, Niantic, is handling the arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to the Flanders Baptist and Community Church, 138 Boston Post Road, East Lyme, CT 06333, the East Lyme Public Library, 30 Society Road, Niantic, CT 06357 or to the Appalachian Mountain Club, 10 City Square, Boston, MA 02129.

Please visit www.fultontherouxniantic.com for tributes.