James Cecil "Jay" Wheeler

A funeral service celebrating the life of James Cecil “Jay” Wheeler, age 56, of Newark, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 5, at Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Smith officiating. Friends may call from 12-2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home, 179 Granville Street in Newark. The Licking County Veterans Alliance will observe military honors for Jay at 1 p.m.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, masks must be worn inside the funeral home. For your protection, a maximum of 35 guests will be allowed inside at one time. Please practice social distancing.

Jay was born May 11, 1964 in Newark, Ohio. He passed away on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at Riverside Methodist Hospital following a valiant battle with Covid-19.

Jay was a 1983 graduate of Newark High School. He was currently employed with Tectum as a forklift driver and had also been employed with Arvin Meritor (Rockwell) for 26 years. He was a member of the Newark Eagles and the Moose. Jay enjoyed building things and loved animals. He also loved spending time with his family and friends and was known for his love of debating everything.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Janetta Anne (Angle) Wheeler, whom he married November 26, 1988; son, Ryan Wheeler; mother, Gerlene (Goldsberry) Stewart; brother, Scott (Teresa) Wheeler; sisters, Christine (Steve) Wiley, Carol Wheeler and Patricia (Jim) Dukas; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Boyd and Shirley Angle; informally adopted son, Jordan (Simone) Phillips; nephew, Weslee Roberts, and many other nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Wheeler; step-father, Troy Stewart; and sisters-in-law, Kathryn Ramsey and Betsy Wheeler.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Licking County Humane Society.

Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Jay and his family.