House Resolution 58

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MR. JAMES A. WHEELER AND EXPRESSING OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, Mr. James A. Wheeler, a native of Laurel, Mississippi, departed this life on March 16, 2002, causing a great loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, a retired Lieutenant Colonel, Mr. Wheeler served in the United States Air Force during World War II and the Korean Conflict with a total of 12 years of active duty and an additional 10 years as Air Force Academy Liaison Officer in the Fifth Congressional District in the Air Force Reserve; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wheeler received his college degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, where he also served as one of the founding members of the board of trustees of the USM Foundation; and

WHEREAS, an active member of his community, Mr. Wheeler was a devoted member of St. John's Episcopal Church, was elected twice as President of the Laurel Chamber of Commerce and served as President of the Laurel Red Cross; and

WHEREAS, throughout his life, Mr. Wheeler was recognized with several awards including Boss of the Year by the Insurance Women of Jackson in 1980 and Board Member Emeritus by the Kidney Foundation of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wheeler is survived by his dedicated wife of 53 years, Genie Moore Wheeler; one daughter, Cynthia Temples, and her husband, John; two granddaughters, Mary-Baldwin and Claire; and many other relatives:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life and accomplishments of Mr. James A. Wheeler and express our deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. James A. Wheeler and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.