James Robert 'Bob" Wheeldon

James Robert "Bob" Wheeldon, 92, of Lake Charles passed away at 10:50 AM on Saturday, November 1, 2025 in his residence.

Mr. Wheeldon was born on June 9, 1933, in Lake Charles and lived his entire life in the city he dearly loved and helped shape.

A proud graduate of Lake Charles High School, Bob went on to earn his bachelor's degree in geology from the University of Lafayette. Following his studies, he honorably served his country in the United States Air Force during the Cold War, stationed at Chennault Air Force Base on ready alert. As a navigator and bombardier, Bob rose to the rank of Major-a reflection of his dedication, leadership, and patriotism.

After his military service, Bob began his career as an insurance adjuster for AETNA before founding and operating Bob Wheeldon and Associates Contracting. His entrepreneurial spirit and tireless work ethic later led him back to the insurance field as a self-employed catastrophic adjuster and pre-trial insurance investigator.

He proudly served three terms as a Lake Charles City Councilman and was a founding father of the Lake Charles Civic Center, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to enjoy.

He was an active member of many organizations, including the Lake Charles Home Builders Association, the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and the La Familia Mardi Gras Krewe. A devoted parishioner of St. Margaret Catholic Church, Bob served faithfully as an usher for many years.

Bob loved good food, great company, and never met a stranger. An avid LSU fan, he enjoyed watching baseball and football, keeping up with friends, family, and community activity on Facebook, and continuously learning new things. Above all, he was most proud of his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren were the absolute apple of his eye.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Lori Nunez (Philip); grandchildren, Robert Nunez and Ashley Verret (Anthony); and his beloved great grandchildren, Gracie Jo Nunez and Gavin and Colt Verret.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Schram Wheeldon; his parents, John Arthur and Rosemary Wheeldon; and his siblings, Martha Elfert and Donald Wheeldon.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at St. Margaret Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will begin on Tuesday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a rosary being recited at 6:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Wednesday from 8:30 AM until leaving for the church at 9:30 AM.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to his caregivers, Marie LeBlanc and Amy Reeves for the excellent care and compassion given to Mr. Bob while taking care of him.