James Holman (Jim) Wheatley, 75, of Weems, VA and formerly of Harrisonburg, VA, died October 18, 2009.

Jim was born March 7, 1934 in Welch, WV and was the son of the late James E. and Virginia H. Wheatley .

 Jim graduated from Petersburg High School in 1952 and from the University of Richmond in 1956.  He was in the ROTC at University of Richmond and served in the US Army on active duty and reserves for 10 years following his graduation. 

 On June 16, 1957, he married Barbara Tucker Wheatley who survives.  Surviving in addition to his wife are 2 sons and daughter, James K. Wheatley and daughter-in-law Barbara S. Wheatley of Harrisonburg, Robert C. Wheatley and daughter-in-law Karen A. Wheatley of Harrisonburg and daughter Susan Wheatley Grow and son-in-law James B. Grow of Great Falls, VA.  He is also survived by 9 beloved grandchildren, Jordan Wheatley, Gray Wheatley, Tucker Wheatley, Mady Grow, Morgan Wheatley, Kristin Guntharp, Jeb Grow, Gregory Guntharp, and Mary Hagen Grow.  His greatest joy in life was attending the many events and activities that his grandchildren were involved in. 

 Jim started his professional career working for Ford Motor Company in 1956 for 7 years before moving to Harrisonburg in 1963 and purchasing the Ford dealership which became Wheatley Yetzer Ford.  In 1970, along with his wife Barbara, they founded the Harrisonburg Auto Auction which they owned until 1987 and managed until their retirement in 2004.  He was immensely proud of the Auto Auction which he and Barbara started from scratch and grew into a nationally recognized auction that sold over 50,000 cars per year and employed over 350 people.  He was recognized by the Harrisonburg Rockingham Chamber of Commerce as Entrepeneur of the Year in 1989.

 Jim was nationally recognized as a leader in the auto auction industry.  He served as the President of the National Auto Auction Association in 1988 and President of the Southern Auto Auction Association in 1976.  He served on the NAAA board and numerous committees for many years.  He was elected to the National Auto Auction Association Hall of Fame in 1994.  Along with his wife Barbara, they helped to found the Scholastic Foundation of the National Auto Auction Association and was rewarded as a Warren Young Fellow in 2008 for his contributions to the Foundation.  He received numerous awards over the years from the Virginia Independent Automobile Dealers Association and the National Independent Auto Dealers Association for services he provided to those organizations.

 Jim was an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Harrisonburg for over 40 years.  He was active in various civic organizations over the years including the Harrisonburg Lions Club, Harrisonburg Jaycees, Harrisonburg Elks Lodge, and president of the Rockingham County American Red Cross.  He was the proud Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 40 and Cub Scout Pack 40 in Harrisonburg for over 10 years.  He was active with Harrisonburg High School sports boosters and earned the Blue Streak Award with his wife Barbara in 1984 for all their efforts at HHS.  He coached little league baseball for many years while his sons were playing. 

 Jim served on the JMU Foundation Board of Directors from 1989 until 2001.  He served on the Executive Advisory Committee for the JMU College of Business for many years.  He was a founding board member and the first Chairman of the Board of Rockingham Heritage Bank in Harrisonburg.

 Funeral Services will be held on Thursday October 22, 2009 at 1:30 PM at Asbury United Methodist Church with Rev. Larry Thompson officiating.  Burial will follow at the Eastlawn Memorial Gardens.  The Wheatley family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 6 until 8 pm at the Kyger Funeral Home, 3173 Spotswood Trail, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

 Memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be made the National Auto Auction Association Scholastic Foundation, Inc., c/o NAAA, 5320-D Spectrum Drive, Frederick, MD  21073-7337 or to Asbury United Methodist Church, 205 South Main St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.

 The Family will be staying locally at the homes of their sons, Jim Wheatley and Bob Wheatley.

 Online condolences may be sent to the Wheatley family by visiting www.kygers.com.  

 Arrangements entrusted to the Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.

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My sincere condolences to the Wheatley family. May god be with you through your time of sorrow. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Jack Rouse 2009-10-20 00:02:19

A quiet, proud man with a wonderful family. I will remember him fondly. Barry Lambert 2009-10-20 04:42:15

We want to express our heartfelt sympathy for the recent loss of Jim. We pray for God's love to hold your family now and always. Sonny and Carolyn Brooks 2009-10-20 05:03:27

-------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ The last time I saw "Mr. Wheatley" was at my own fathers funeral. He said to me at that time, "Mary Courtney" you do not have to call me "Mr. Wheatley" after all these years". I had the honor and privlege of meeting "Mr. Wheatley" at the old age of four. I do not think he ever realized that I could never call him anything else other than "Mr. Wheatley". It became a matter of respect over the years that he so deserved. My mother and father always spoke of their dear friends the "Wheatleys" with such high regard. I felt like they were my second family in many ways growing up. I know my mother was very proud to work with both Mr.& Mrs. Wheatley for thirty years at the Harrisonburg Auto Auction. My heart is very heavy and sad today for the Wheatley family. The world has lost another gr... Anonymous 2009-10-20 05:40:46

Mr. Wheatley continued great man, great husband, great father. Mr. Wheatley is was an honor and a privleged to have know you. Thank you for never gettting mad at Susan and I when we could be such brats! My prayers are with all the Wheatleys today at this most heartbreaking time. Respectfully, Mary Courtney Mary Coutney 2009-10-20 05:48:19

Coach Wheatley Mom Wheatley, Jim, Bob and Susan, My deepest sympathy reaches out to you and to the many friends Coach has. My best and warmest memory of your Husband and Father is of his patience and calming effect for and on an "atheletically challenged little leaguer" when he coached Little League. As you each know there are alot of us from the Spotswood area that looked up to him as a second Dad. But most importantly we all grew to have the chance to count Coach as a Friend. God Bless each of you as you as you travel through all the memories of him. May God walk with each of you. Wally Wally Rinker 2009-10-20 06:07:07

Bob and the James Wheatley Family May you all find strength to see you through this trying time. May James' soul rest in peace with the Lord. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Bob & Lois Emswiler 2009-10-20 09:11:13

GM EDINBURG MOTORS INC MR WHEATLY WAS GREAT MAN TO BE AROUND. IT'S AMAZING HOW HE COULD ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR NAME. BE THANKFUL YOUR FAMILY HAD A GREAT HUSBAND, FATHER AND GRANDFATHER. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF SORROW. FRANK PAINTER 2009-10-20 09:46:44

We want to express our sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Tim and Mary Anne Maupin 2009-10-20 09:56:01

Barbara I am deeply saddened to learn of Jim's death and remember our wonderful times shared. I regret I will be out of town for a meeting and cannot attend the service at Asbury. Please know that Linda and I will be thinking of you. Sincerely Sidney Bland Sidney Bland 2009-10-20 10:37:59

I just learned of Mr. Wheatley's death through Jennifer David Hincks and wanted to let the Wheatley family know that I am saddened by his death and by your family's loss. During this very difficult time, I hope you are comforted by the many happy years you enjoyed with him and by your family’s strong bonds that he and Mrs. Wheatley fostered throughout the years. My thoughts and prayer are with you all. Kathy Smith Drohat & Family 2009-10-20 10:44:09

My Cub Pack 40 Leader Hi Jimmy, Bobby, and Susan. Your Dad was a wonderfully-accomplished man. But, I remember him as a quiet-spoken Cub Pack leader who always managed a smile while overseeing a rowdy,rambunctious bunch of 8, 9, and 10 year old boys in the basement of Asbury! It's the good memories, smiles, and laughs that sustain us after the loss of a loved one... and knowing the spirit that brought the spark to his eyes and the bite to his wit lives on. Bibb and Dolly Frazier Bibb Frazier 2009-10-20 11:55:37

To The Wheatley Family Both Charlotte and I express our deepest sympathy to Barbara and family. Jim, with his soft spoken voice and deep rich smile will be missed by all. A pleasure to be around with never a negative word about anyone or anything. A true gentleman, who only saw the glass as half full. Ron & Charlotte Jordan 2009-10-20 12:11:39

Mrs. Wheatley & family I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. Wheatley's passing - he was a wonderful person. Always a smile & kind word for everyone, he was such a pleasure to be around - a true gentleman. My thoughts & prayers are with you all. Feame Wrenn 2009-10-20 13:02:04

Reason to get up each morning. I am writing to thank you for giving my father, Mr. Emory, a reason to get up each morning and go to work at the Auto Auction. After 45 years of selling insurance he found his pleasure in his retiring years by working for Jim and Barbara Wheatley at the auction. He loved every moment he was there. When he fell and broke his hip it was the auction fever that got him back on his feet and going again and returning to work another year. He loved both of you and enjoyed being a chauffeur, watering flowers for Barbara on holidays and just being in the company of good people. Jim will be missed by many but I just wanted to tell you what you and Jim meant to my father, Emory Thomas. My deepest sympathies to each of you. Patricia Thomas Wichael 2009-10-20 14:47:06

Barbara, My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family during this time of loss. Mr. Wheatley touched my life in may different ways and I will always remember the good times we had while I was selling cars at the Auction. I still talk about our trips to the races, especially Bristol. I never go there that I don't think about you and Mr. Wheatley. Mr. Wheatley was a kind and gentle man and I know he will be deeply missed. Becky Stull 2009-10-20 17:53:44

WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF JIM'S PASSING. WE CHERISH SO MANY HAPPY TIMES WHEN JENNIFER AND SUSAN WERE ROOM-MATES AT JMU!! YOU ARE A WONDERFUL FAMILY AND WE PRAY THAT YOUR MEMORIES WILL COMFORT YOU. OUR BEST TO ALL OF YOU. DAVID AND RHODA DAVID DAVID AND RHODA DAVID 2009-10-20 19:21:06

WE ARE THINKING OF ALL OF YOU. DEEPEST SYMPATHY. DAVID AND RHODA DAVID DAVID AND RHODA DAVID 2009-10-22 06:33:08

Kristie and Milt McPike Ten minutes ago, my husband came into the house and said that he didn't want to call me from the car and tell me that Mr. Wheatley had passed away but instead, broke it to me gently. It is so strange that today of all days this news has come to me. I had just told someone today about the big announcement that Mr. Wheatley gave EVERY SINGLE Wednesday when the sale was about to begin.. "It's sale time, sale time! Everybody from the outside to the inside, we're getting ready to start..!!!!!" and well, for those of you who were lucky enough to have worked for the Wheatley's, you know the rest. My heart is heavy but please know that our family is praying and thinking of you all during this difficult time. It was an honor to work for you both, two VERY giving, sweet, and classy people who always made all of us at the auction feel like family. Kristie Kenney McPike 2009-10-20 19:57:27

Wheatley Family I want to send my Prayers,And Sadness for the loss of Jim. I did'nt get to make it out to Virginia as much as i would have liked to,But my memories will last forever.Jim made me feel at home with his Hospitality.And helping me out with getting fishing gear ,Or sitting down to some Blue Crab with the Bay Seasoning . I feel he has passed on so much Love in his Family that i am proud to be a small part in his life.I would work on the house a little bit like i did for Uncle Bob And would just love it , And wish that i could stay forever and work for food.lol .Now i know what Southern Hospitality is all about. Much Love to The Wheatleys Michael Ward Southern California. Michael Ward 2009-10-20 20:26:54

Barbara and children: May God give you comfort at this time and the days ahead. Mr. Wheatley was such a nice man to work with when I worked at the Harrisonburg Auto Auction so many years ago. You knew that he enjoyed the work he was doing. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that you may find comfort in knowing how much he was liked and will be missed so much by his family. Fondly. Barbara Monger 2009-10-21 06:03:28

It has been many years since I have seen Mr. Wheatley but he has and will always hold a very special place in my heart. He was a very kind and gentle man. When my children were young, we had the pleasure to be neighbors of Mr. Wheatleys daughter Susan. Mr and Mrs Wheatley shared their homes in both Hilton Head and at the River with Susan and all her "neighborhood friends". My children still talk about those trips and cherish those memories. He will forever be remembered in my heart as a generous, kind, gentle and calm man. The world is a sadder place without him. My deepest sympathy to you all for your great loss. Fondly, Sue Finn and Family Sue Finn 2009-10-21 06:18:30

Dear Barbara, We were deeply saddened to hear about the death of your beloved Jim. We truly understand the pain associated with the loss of a spouse, having gone through it ourselves. We wish to express to you our sincere sympathy. May the many beautiful memories of all the wonderful experiences you shared together serve to console you, comfort you, sustain you, and give you peace. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you and your family as you face life here on earth without Jim. If we can ever be of any help to you during this difficult adjustment, please do not hesitate to let us know. Fondly, Deloris and Pete Deloris and Pete Shank 2009-10-21 16:50:22

Mrs. Wheatley Our deepest sympathy go out to you and your family during this time of loss. We are deeply saddened by Mr. Wheatley's passing. He was a true gentleman, a wonderful person, and the best boss we ever had. He was always concerned about the employees of Harrisonburg Auto Auction, and touched our lives in a wonderful way. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Darrell &Terree Rinaca 2009-10-21 17:49:29

Our hearts and prayers to you and your family. We know he will be missed more than words can express and that your grieving will be surpassed by love and cherished memories. our deepest sympathies- jay, rachel & james Jay, Rachel, and James Sowers 2009-10-21 18:19:46

Jim was a kind, gentle and humble man who was wealthy in all things. His smile was ingrained in his expression and I loved to be around him. Thank you Tony Moorby 2009-10-22 06:38:46

Jimmy Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. C.W and Jerry Anonymous 2009-10-22 06:57:51

Mrs. Wheatley and Family Harrisonburg Auto Auction was my first real job out of high school. Working for you and Mr. Wheatley was the best experience ever and you set the bar high for jobs to follow. You both were caring and a professional, top knotch team that made the family work environment such a success! I am sorry for your loss and will keep you and your family in my prayers. Regards, Mary Creswell Ritchie Mary Creswell Ritchie 2009-10-22 07:32:28

To Jims Family, You have My thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. I enjoyed My opportunity to work with Jim over the years and His friendship . We will miss Him, God Bless Tom Parsons 2009-10-22 08:10:37

Mrs. Wheatley, Sorry to here of Mr. Wheatleys passing, I and have often wondered about the two of you since your retirement. Thank you so much for making our car buying experiences at HAA the BEST of all our experiences. I enjoyed seeing you all on a weekly basis and didn't mind the 200 mile trip, because with you all there, it was like I never left home. My prayers are with you and your family. Craig Johnson, Holcomb Motors Craig Johnson (Holcomb Motors) 2009-10-22 10:09:37

To the Wheatley Family It was through the city schools that I had my contacts with your family. Your dad was the perfect "Blue Streaks" supporter. Though I touched your lives only briefly it was enough to let me learn what a special family you are. May you know that you are in my prayers and I hope that as the days pass your fondest memories will replace the ache that is so fresh from your loss. Sincerely, J.J. Updike J.J. Updike 2009-10-22 14:01:23

So sorry Please accept our heartfelt sympathies. I, too, was a member of the nefarious Cub Scout Pack 40 which was just the beginning of a longtime admiration of him and your whole family. Blee Moffett & Family 2009-10-23 03:24:16

Dear Barbara, Jimmy, Bob, and Susan, We are so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. We never saw him without a smile and cheerful comment. The world is diminished without him. Sincerely, The Nelson Family Anonymous 2009-10-23 06:23:48

Our thughts and prayers are with the Jim Weatley family. Most of our memories date back to the school years when our children attended school together. We were unable to attend the services but want you to know our thoughts were with you. May the good memories you have be a blessing in future times. God bless each of you. Curtis & Gail Link 2009-10-23 20:29:16

Sorry for your family's loss. Although I did not know Mr. Wheatley very well the businness dealings I had with him were fair and honest. He treated me with respect and did not take advantage of me being young, dumb, and hungry. I always thought of him as a good man. Sincerly, Reggie Smith Reggie Smith 2009-10-25 08:02:21

Dear Barbara, I was just going through some old photos and came across a photo of your beautiful family. The grandchildren were still young and small. The picture is outdoors on the lawn, maybe in the spring. Naturally the photo took me back to memories of the two of you. Within a few days we heard of Jim's passing. I find the timing of the two events orchestrated by the heavens. I have told you before, but I want to repeat myself and tell you again just how much I admired you both. We are here if you find yourself needing anything at all. With our sincerest thoughts, prayers, and blessings, We are yours, Jim and Kriss DesRochers Tempe, AZ. Jim and Kriss DesRochers 2009-10-28 19:20:18

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