James "Jim" Leroy Wheatley

James “Jim” Leroy Wheatley passed away on Friday, August 19, 2016 at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, Kansas at the age of 81. He was born on May 4, 1935 in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. Raised by his parents, James Albert and Alice (Mulvey) Wheatley, in the greater Oklahoma City area, Jim received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1958 and a Bachelor of Science degree in 1959, both from Oklahoma City University. He then began working towards his Master’s degree at Oklahoma University while also serving in the Air National Guard of Oklahoma and Reserve of United States Air Force. On June 21, 1958 Jim was united in marriage to Kagay Jean Strickland in Oklahoma City. They were blessed with two sons, Jeff and Kevin. Together they moved to raise their family in Augusta, Kansas in 1964, and later Plainville, Kansas in 1970. There he worked as an independent insurance agent until his retirement in 2008. He was a member of Phi Kappa Psi during his college years, the Plainville Lions Club, Kansas Association of Life Insurance Underwriters, and the First Lutheran Church of Plainville. Jim was an avid golfer and enjoyed watching sports, especially football. He and Kagay loved to travel. From Mexico to Canada, and as many places as possible in between, they always liked seeing new sights and taking in new experiences. But his greatest joy was spending time with family and getting to see his grandchildren. They were truly the delight of his life. Jim is survived by his wife Kagay Wheatley of their home in Plainville; sons Jeff Wheatley and wife Paula of Upper Holland, PA, and Kevin Wheatley and wife Rene of Independence, MO; brother David Wheatley of Sun City, AZ; sister Ann Srader of Houston, TX; and grandchildren Alexandra, Jack, Caitlin, and Courtney. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Alice Wheatley, and his step-parents Gene and Retta Holstein. The Proverbs writer said, “Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?” Jim lived every day of his life being faithful to God, family, friends, and neighbors. His legacy of love and faith has touched countless lives that will continue for generations to come. A memorial service will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at First Lutheran Church in Plainville. Inurnment will follow in the Plainville City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00pm on Monday at the funeral home with family receiving friends during that time.