James Ward Wheeler, 94, of Orange County, formerly of Fredericksburg, passed away Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012, at Culpeper Regional Hospital.

Mr. Wheeler was born Sept. 11, 1918, to the late Orlando B. and Susan W. Wheeler of Spotsylvania County. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II. Mr. Wheeler retired from A.P. Hill after 30 years of service. He was a member of Zoar Baptist Church, Spotsylvania American Legion Post 320 and the Spotsylvania Ruritan Club. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Lyla T. Wheeler; three brothers; and two sisters.

Survivors include sister-in-law Gaynelle T. Woods of Rapidan; niece Karen H. Kelley (Robbie) of Orange; nephew George F. Woods II of Rapidan; great-niece Jessica L. Kelley and great-nephew Parker Kelley, both of Orange; cousins Peggy H. Brown (Thomas) and Jane R. Ingalls (Larry), all of Fredericksburg, and Ann R. Pyle of Annandale; and special friends Ashton and Lucy Wright.

A service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg Chapel, with the Rev. Tom Doubt officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made in his name to Zoar Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 21109 Constitution Highway, Rapidan, Va. 22733.

Online guest book is available at covenantfuneral service.com.