Summary: Following duty with VMF-112 James Wheat served with VMF-461 attaining the grade of Master Sergeant. Military awards included various campaign medals as well as the Marksman Pistol shooting badge. After discharge from the Marine Corps (27 September 1945), James Wheat worked as an aircraft mechanic and eventually as an electrician and repairman in the coal mining industry. James Wheat died 20 March 1997 in Mt. Vernon, IL. He is buried at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park in Benton, IL.

Survived by:

Wife:   
Frances P. Wheat
720 Sheridan Drive
Benton, IL 62812

Brother: 
Cmdr. Newton L. Wheat, USN (Ret)
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Sons:      
Kenneth R. Wheat
1981 Banyan Tree Road
Collinsville, IL 62234

David Wheat

Mathew Wheat

James David Wheat
4835 Trudy Lane
Hamilton, OH 45013

Phillip N. Wheat
#11 Pickering Lane
Springfield, IL 62707

Grandchildren:

twins Amy and Chris
Geoff
Jessica