"Dear Joan and boys, Please accept my deepest condolences. You and Bill were one of the very first people I met on the Jackson district school bus tour for newly hired teachers. I can recall that day like it was yesterday and meeting you on that day helped me to feel at ease on the "first day of school". Thank you for your friendship through the years. Your boys, Bill and Chris were one of the very first "Little Jags" in the Exploring Childhood course I taught. I will always remember Bill for the unique person he was. Natasha Martinez"
In loving memory of
William Wheeler
May 28, 1950 - December 31, 2017
William R. "Bill" Wheeler, age 67, of Jackson, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2017 at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, NJ.
Born in Elizabeth NJ, Bill was raised in Scotch Plains, lived in East Windsor and in 1978 relocated to the Jackson area. He was a biology teacher at Jackson Memorial High School and was responsible for starting the AP Bio classes as well as the first forensic science class offered in the state - an accomplishment that got him featured in the New York Times. He was a member of the Fossils Car Club and the Jackson Hole Gang.
Bill was predeceased by his parents William & Shirley Wheeler and his sister Susan. Surviving is his loving wife of 43 years Joan Wheeler (nee Brandt); children William Frederick Wheeler and his wife Jennifer and Christopher David Wheeler and his wife Anjelica; grandson William Theodore Wheeler; brother James Wheeler and his wife Leslie and many dear friends.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 5, 2018 from 2PM - 4PM and 7PM - 9PM at Horizon Funeral & Cremation Services, 1329 Route 37 West, Toms River. Cremation is private. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Ronald McDonald House of Long Branch, 131 Bath Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740. www.rmh-cnj.org
Tributes
"I worked with Bill,next door to his classroom for 10 years. I knew him for 20. I have nothing but good memories of our teaching association and him as a man, For example: The noisy, south american cockroaches, hatching chickens, deer chili (was too spicy) ,he gave me a bunch of carnivore beetles to strip my frog legs to the bone. The time he lost a bet which resulted in shaving off his beard, oddly enough he looked better without it, I could go on for hours relating these anecdotes . I will miss his presence on earth. RIP Bill . John DeMarzo"
"The face of Jackson for so many of us Joan, Bill, Chris & families. He'll be missed. May he rest in peace knowing that he had a positive effect on a community & enjoyed life for a pretty long time. Condolences to those he held dearest- Liz Villecco"
"My thoughts are with you Joanie at this difficult time. You and Bill were two of Dianne's favorite people at JMHS. Dave Goode"
"Mr. Wheeler was the sentinel of B-wing Clayton. A presence. A force. He touched so many lives during his years in education, including my own as a new teacher. So sad to hear of his passing. - Kathie Regan"
"One of the best teachers I ever had and ever will. For 3 years in high school he inspired me to stick with the sciences and to be true to myself. I will always be in debt to him for that. My prayers are with y'all and he will be missed . Sending much love your way. -Your Friendly Neighborhood Zookeeper- Mike miller "
"Sending condolences and prayers to the Wheeler family. So sorry for your loss. Mr. Wheeler will truly be missed. RIP Mr. Wheeler. Felicia Younger"
"Willy, as I fondly addressed you, were one of the Jackson community best assets. I am proud to have been your colleague. So sorry for your loss, Joan and boys, Chris and Willy Jr. Your husband and father will be greatly missed. RIP, your friend Vin Villecco"
"Bill, you were such a good guy and a great teacher. The news of your passing is sad. You are with God, now. Joanie, my heart goes out to you and your sons."
"Joan n sons, so sorry for your loss, Bill was a good man. R I P"
"Joan, so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I worked at JMHS in the Attendance and Security Dept., I will always remember Bill as a caring and wonderful person. Joan Clarke"
"Bill, you are, without a doubt, one of the most influential people in my life. I am a much better person having known you, and you truly helped shape me into the teacher I became. We have lost not only a fantastic and genius mind, but someone I consider a best friend. My prayers go out to Joanie, Billy, Chris, and the rest of the Wheeler family; may God comfort you in this very difficult time."
"Joan, so sorry to see this! I really enjoyed waiting on you guys Monday nights at JB's!! My thoughts are with you and your family...I am at jb's in Manchester if there is anything I can do please come see me. Thinking of you with MUCH affection, Lisa "
"Never met Bill but he was fellow gunfighter and re enactor like myself. Hate to loose one of mine. RIP Sir!! "
"Mr. Wheeler was a teacher of mine almost25 years ago. He was a good guy and I wasn't the best student but he was very fair. My condolences go out to his family and friends. May he Rest In Peace."
"Bill was a very special person. I will truly miss him. We worked together at JMHS for many years. The night school program was a special memory to me. We always laughed and had a good time. My buddy. I will truly miss you Mr. Bill. Love you Joanie and miss you. Love and sympathy to you and your family."
"Condolences to Joan and family on the passing of Bill. I remember working with him at JHS. He also taught my family."
"Wheels You are now in the hands of the Good Lord. You will be missed. Thank You for being a part of my life. My heart will forever remember you RIP ????"
"There are not enough words to express our sorrow for the loss of our friend Billl. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joan and the family. Peace be with you."