James Byron Wheat

James Byron Wheat, commonly known as Jim or the Gentle Giant, was born October 14, 1946, in Kilgore, Texas and resided in Gordon, Texas. He passed away unexpectedly on September 25, 2021, at the age of 74. Jim was hospitalized with Covid and developed complications due to an allergic reaction to the anticoagulant he received. 

He is survived by his wife, Cathy Scott Wheat; his sister-in-law, Martha Wheat of Tyler, Texas; nephew, Mark; and nieces, Judy and Robin.

Jim and Cathy were married for 54 years but met each other in first grade. They started “going steady” in eighth grade and never dated anyone else from that time forward. They shared a love of all things Christmas. Jim built multiple Christmas displays and collected Santas and nutcrackers. Cathy helped design the arrangement of all types of villages and Christmas trees. Jim loved sports his entire life and played sports from an early age. Jim graduated from Kilgore High school in 1965 and was a four-sport letterman. He continued playing football for Texas Tech University. He began his career as a high school coach at Nimitz in Irving, Texas and ended his coaching career at Highland Park High School in Dallas, Texas. Jim continued his love of high school football throughout his life and attended many Friday night games.

After several years of coaching, Jim became a salesman for educational software and computers. His first job was with Apple providing multiple school systems with Apple computers. He was a successful salesman for several software companies and ended his career with The Learning Company.

Jim was always involved in church and loved Southern Gospel music. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Dallas for 35 years and worked with the young married department. He was also a member of First Baptist Church in Wimberley, Texas and was an active member of North Side Baptist Church in Weatherford, Texas at the time of his death.

A memorial service will be held Friday, October 1, 2021, at 10 a.m. at North Side Baptist Church in Weatherford. The address is 910 North Main, Weatherford, Texas 76086. A reception will follow the service.

Memorials can be made in Jim’s name to the Salvation Army or to a charity of your choice.