University Mourns Loss of the Rev. James D. Wheeler, S.J.

Longtime Rockhurst University chemistry professor the Rev. James D. “Jake” Wheeler, S.J., died July 27, 2016, at the age of 93.

“Fr. Jake Wheeler loved being a Jesuit and being missioned to Rockhurst University,” said Rockhurst University President the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J. “With an intellectual curiosity throughout his life, he gave generously to the Rockhurst community as a teacher, colleague, priest and friend. Hundreds of his students recall being mentored into careers of science and medicine in his cluttered office, pervaded by classical and opera music. His legacy is rich. His reputation is legendary. We were blessed by his generosity.”

Fr. Wheeler was born July 19, 1923, in St. Louis, Missouri. He entered the Society of Jesus Aug. 17, 1941, in St. Stanislaus Seminary in Florissant, Missouri, and was ordained a priest June 16, 1954, in St. Marys, Kansas.

Fr. Wheeler served on the Rockhurst chemistry faculty for 55 years, from 1956 to 2011 when he was named professor emeritus. For many years he directed the post-baccalaureate pre-medical program, helping those with a bachelor’s degree prepare for medical school. He was known for mentoring his many students, assisting with graduate school and career connections and building a chemistry alumni community through a newsletter that shared personal and professional news from graduates who wrote to him and stopped by his office whenever they were on campus.

Fr. Wheeler earned an A.B, an M.S.(R) and an S.T.L. from Saint Louis University and a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical chemistry from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

A visitation will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Kansas City, Missouri. A vigil service with testimonials will take place at 6 p.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, which begins at 7 p.m. Burial services are scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 2, at 9:30 a.m. at Mt. Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri.

Condolences may be expressed to the family and the Rockhurst Jesuit Community at www.muehlebachchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rev. James Wheeler, S.J., Scholarship Fund, c/o Rockhurst University, 1100 Rockhurst Road, Kansas City, MO 64110.