John V. Wheeler, 81, an area resident since 1986 and formerly of Albany, died unexpectedly at his home on April 23, 2017.

A homebuilder by trade, “Jack” forged a colorful path throughout his life, in turns as naval pilot, car and motorcycle racer, artist, athlete, coach and, above all, family
man. Born in Elsmere, NY on April 10, 1936, he was the son of John Smith and Margaret McMillan Smith Wheeler. He proudly served our country as a Lieutenant in the US Navy, flying helicopter missions from aircraft carriers throughout the North Sea and the Mediterranean, including tours on the USS Intrepid, Taconic, Northampton and Saratoga. He was the principal of Jay Vee Builders and Wheeler Homes, Inc., developing private residences and townhomes for over 50 years. An early muscle car enthusiast, he was a drag racer of Dodge Chargers and Challengers emblazoned with his self-created moniker and artwork, “House Power”. He later became nationally ranked in off-road motorcycle racing and racquetball. After setting aside his more rigorous pursuits, he became an enthusiastic golfer and was a member of the Duchess Golf Club for more than 20 years.

Jack was a graduate of Bethlehem Central HS in Delmar, NY and the L.I. Agricultural & Technical Institute, NY. While completing naval training in Pensacola, Florida, he married Jennell Coker of Cantonment, FL with whom he raised their two sons. A devoted family man, he created many great memories, including teaching his children, nieces and nephews how to water ski on Lake George. He later became known by all as “Backhoe”, a name bestowed by his eldest grandchild, which he proudly adopted as his first name and had inscribed as his vanity license plate. He was a fixture at all family events, sporting and school activities with his children and grandchildren.

Jack is survived by his longtime companion, Marian O’Rourke of Fishkill, NY; his sons, John Wheeler, Jr. and daughter-in-law Catherine of Kinnelon, NJ, and Jerold Wheeler of Scotchtown, NY; his grandchildren, Graham and wife Aly, Kelsey, Shannon and Brooke; and his sisters, Joan TenEyck, Grace Olsen and Judy Roginski.
A Memorial Celebration of his life and repast for friends and family will be held on May 20, 2017 from 11am-3pm, with the service beginning at noon, at the Homewood Suites, 180 Breunig Road, New Windsor, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jack’s name may be made to CURE: Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy, http://www.cureepilepsy.org/home.asp, and the Shriners Hospitals for Children https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/. Please visit Jack’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com