James E. Wheeler 1963-2022 and Diane K. Wheeler 1960-2022

Diane was born Nov. 17, 1960, in Youngstown, a daughter of Kenneth and Sally Winterburn Restle.

A lifelong area resident, Diane attended Austintown Fitch High School. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Diane worked for Belleria in Canfield, as well as Blue Wolf Events, spending a majority of her years with Belleria. In her free time, Diane enjoyed hosting holiday gatherings, cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers and spoiling her grandchildren.

James, known by most as “Jim,” was born Sept. 18, 1963, in Youngstown, a son of John and Margaret Anderson Wheeler.

Jim was a 1981 graduate of Canfield High School and a lifelong area resident. In 1986, Jim accepted a position with Valley Foods in Youngstown, where he was still employed as a purchasing associate, with 36 years of dedicated service. In his free time, Jim enjoyed playing pool, history documentaries, listening to classic rock / blues and outdoor fun with his grandchildren.

Jim and Diane met in 1984. The couple married on July 13, 1996, at Fellows Riverside Gardens and were blessed with 26 wonderful years of marriage. The two “Soul Mates” truly shared a special bond with each other and always looked forward to their Friday night date.

Jim and Diane worked hard to provide a fun and loving home for their children. Throughout the years, they enjoyed making home videos of birthday parties, special milestones and family gatherings, and loved watching them over and over. As a family, they looked forward to Sunday dinners, backyard bonfires complete with s’mores and bike rides. Nothing brought Jim and Diane more joy and happiness than their titles of “Papa” and “Gigi.”

The joy, kindness and unconditional love Jim and Diane have brought to so many will certainly be remembered and missed.

They are survived by their children, Michael DeRose of Austintown and twins, Amanda (Ross Kollar) Wheeler of Canfield and Alyssa (Johnny) Grahovac of Poland; three grandchildren, Grayson Grahovac, and Reese and Shea Kollar; Lorenzo Reda, who they loved like a grandson; and many special nieces and nephews.

Diane is also survived by siblings James (Rozanne) Restle of Youngstown, David Restle of Florida, Lorraine Quear of Austintown and Lawrence Restle of Canfield.

In addition to her parents, Diane was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, George Quear.

Jim is survived by his siblings, JoAnn (Anthony) Nuzzo of Conneaut Lake, Pa., John (Susan) Wheeler of Pittsburgh, Pa., Gregory Wheeler of Austintown, Janet (Randall) Lowe of Austintown, Jaqueline (Robert) Moore of Canfield and Judith (Donald) Workman of North Jackson.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother and best friend, Jeffery Wheeler; brother-in-law, Paul Abblett; and nephew, Fred Csiky.

A celebration of life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, at the Becker Family Center, 8560 Market St., Boardman.

Visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with the family.

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