James “JJ” Wheaton

James “JJ” Jerome Wheaton, age 86 of Wautoma passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2023 at Wm. S. Middleton Memorial Hospital, Madison. He was born in Montello on August 19, 1937 to John and Blanche (Rhodes) Wheaton. James served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Dixie AD-14 and was honorably discharged. He worked as an Independent Contractor for other companies and individuals who needed work done until his retirement. James enjoyed hunting, fishing and going to the casinos but he especially enjoyed selling vegetables at his stand and talking with all the wonderful people he knew and encountered. He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends. James is survived by his children: Alicia (Rodney) Tranberg, Tim Wheaton, Randy (Misty) Long, Nancy Durand; many grand and great grand children; significant other: Janet Long and her children: Jill (John) Dullock, Kim Batdorff; sisters: Loretta Drinkwater, Dorothy Naparalla, Delilas Christensen; brother: David Wheaton; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers; two sisters; four sisters-in-law; three brothers-in-law; two nieces and five nephews. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10AM on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Montello with burial and Military Honors in the church cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends at church on Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 8:30AM until the time of services at 10AM. Leikness Funeral Home, Wautoma is assisting the family with arrangements. www.wautomafuneralhome.com