James Boyd Wheless, 63, born February 10, 1960, passed away on October 2, 2023 after a courageous battle with bladder cancer.

"Jimmy" was an employee of Newport News Shipbuilding (HII) for more than 40 years where he joined the elite group of Master Shipbuilders. He was an accomplished bowler and an avid Washington "Redskins" Fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Grace and Benson Wheless, his sister, Judy Nassrineboo and his brother, Stan Wheless. Jimmy is survived by three sisters, Phyllis Wheless Evans and Linda Wheless Kurfees (Butch) who lovingly  cared for him this past year, and Alice Wheless who loved him dearly; a sister-in-law, Nancy Wheless; his nieces, Mina Andrews (Ed) and family, Christie Nassrineboo, Lindsay Cochrane, and Tammy Boger; and a nephew, Billy Cochrane.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Sentara Hospice.

The family will receive friends from 2-3pm Saturday, October 14, 2023 at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home with a memorial service beginning at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, Jimmy's family would prefer donations to the Peninsula SPCA, 523 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.