James Walter "Jim" Wheeless

James Walter "Jim" Wheeless passed from this life on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at his home in Jonesboro.

He was born on September 18, 1946 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to Nathan and Deloris (Yawn) Wheeless.

He moved to Jonesboro with his family when he was just a young boy.

Jim grew up working in his Dad's family amusement business, running the routes and repairing equipment.

When he was in his late teens he became a drummer for a local "psychedelic rock" band that began in Goobertown, called "The Purple Canteen".

Jim resided in the Jonesboro area off and on most of his life.

He moved to Alaska continuing in the occupation of the amusement business, and then in sales.

In his later years he worked on the barges in the Memphis area until he had to retire due to health issues. He then moved back to Jonesboro to be near family.

He was a U.S. Army veteran. He was of Baptist belief. Jim was a music lover and enjoyed fishing.

He is preceded in death by his Father Nathan Morris Wheeless, Mother Deloris (Yawn) Wheeless and his only sibling, Nathan Morris Wheeless II.

He is survived by two sons, James Brandon Wheeless Atkinson, and wife, Amanda of Cabot, AR, and Haven Justin Wheeless Atkinson of Heber Springs, AR; Three grandchildren; Sister-in-law, Maxine Wheeless; a nephew, Nathan M. Wheeless III of Bono, AR; two nieces, Maria Martin of Clearwater, FL and Lillian Coffman of Jonesboro, AR; Three great-nephews; two great-nieces; and cousins Doris McAllister of Kingsport TN, Charles E. Wheeless and Delores Wheeless of West Memphis , Woody Wheeless of Marion AR and Susan (Wheeless) McClain of Atoka TN. Jim leaves behind many other friends and cousins.

Memorial service will be Friday, March 23, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home. Burial will be private.

Visitation will be prior to the service from 1:00-2:00 p.m.