James Wheelock

James Herald Wheelock, Sr. was born April 25, 1926 in Vallejo, CA and died November 28, 2012 in Albuquerque, NM. A resident of New Mexico since early childhood, James spent three years in the Naval Air Force during World War Two, then began successful careers as an accountant, businessman, and Santa Fe realtor. He also played piano in the Rio Rancho dance band, The Westside Sounds. James' favorite avocation was bridge, at which he excelled, becoming Number One in New Mexico and Number Six in the United States. He also enjoyed genealogy, tracing his Wheelock family roots to their arrival in Massachusetts in 1631. Another hobby was working as an extra in New Mexico-made movies and at the Santa Fe opera. James is survived by his second wife, Carolyn; and by seven children with his first wife, Betty: Carrey Perea, Patricia Fowler, Bernadette Wheelock, Caroline Quintana, and James "Jib", Michael, and Joseph Wheelock. He has 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Barbara Wheelock and Rose "Susie" Tafoya. James was a good man who loved his family and his church. Rosary will be recited Tuesday, December 4, 2012, 7:00 p.m., at Risen Savior Catholic Church, 7701 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Friends may visit beginning at 6:00 p.m. Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, December 5, 2012, 11:30 a.m., also at Risen Savior Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE.