James Doyle Wheeler passed from this life on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. James was born on June 2, 1941, in Mars Hill, North Carolina, to parents Clyde and Cora Wheeler. He grew up alongside his siblings, Morris, David, Vickie, and Judy.

James attended Mars Hill High School and graduated from Blanton’s Business College in Asheville, North Carolina. James proudly served in the United States Navy. While he was based in California, he met his wife, Maria Ayala. The two were married for over 20 years and shared one daughter, Lisa Wheeler.

James made the move to Atlanta in the 1960’s. He had a lifelong career in logistics, starting with Brown Transportation right out of the Navy as the Director of Marketing, then for Southeastern Freight Lines, and then became self-employed until his retirement.

He was a member of the Flat Creek Golf Club for many years. He won 1^st place in 2001 3^rd annual WCGRH golf tournament, then won Champion in 2002 for the 4^th annual WCGRH. Playing golf in Peachtree City with friends was a favorite pastime of James.

He also loved cars, traveling, history, and spending time walking the local track. He especially loved conversations with his daughter, Lisa, and granddaughter Alexis, whom he called “the world traveler.”

James is preceded in death by his parents; Clyde Wheeler and Cora Boone Wheeler, and his brothers; Morris Wheeler and David Wheeler. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Wheeler, granddaughter Alexis Toribio, and his sisters Vickie Rayfield and Judy Morrow.