Christopher James Wheeler

WHEELER, Christopher James, age 74, of Flushing, MI went to be with the lord on Friday, January 9, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones at Hurley Medical Center. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 15 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM with services immediately following at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. Service will be live streamed and available to view on Chris' obituary page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to the family c/o Heather Wheeler. 

Christopher was born July 18, 1951, in Flint, Michigan, to Robert James Wheeler and Lillian Faye (O’Neal) Wheeler. He graduated from Northern High School in 1969, where he was active in basketball and baseball. During his school years, he worked while learning mechanical skills, which he continued to develop after graduation until he was drafted into the United States Army.

He married Susan Lynn Stafford on June 19, 1971. After returning from overseas, Chris worked at AC Spark Plug, returning to the station where he had worked prior to the draft, and began taking business college courses. He was blessed with a daughter, Heather Shay, born January 3, 1974, and later welcomed his son, Christopher James, born February 24, 1977. His children were the center of his world.

Chris went on to become a business owner and worked in various fields, including construction and roofing. He worked proudly alongside his son as an incredible team.

First and foremost, Chris loved his family. Sports were a lifelong passion, especially baseball. He coached his son from the time he could pick up a ball and went on to volunteer for VFW leagues and travel teams, many of which became consistent champions. He even built a baseball diamond complete with a backstop at his home so the boys could get extra practice, followed by swimming in the pool and food after a hard practice. If kids with working parents needed rides, Chris was always there, no questions asked. He truly loved every minute of coaching.

He also cherished camping trips with his family to Sleeper State Park, fishing, and riding bikes. Bowling was another favorite pastime, and he and Sue bowled in leagues together for many years with friends and family. As his son got older, they bowled together on various leagues and were, as many would say, pretty dang good.

Chris loved music and liked it loud—thankfully, he had great neighbors. He enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren about classic “good old” music.

Nothing filled Chris’s heart more than his grandchildren. He showed up faithfully to every part of their lives, never missing a sporting event, always cheering from the sidelines, offering encouragement, advice, and unwavering support. He was their biggest fan. Watching them grow brought him endless joy and pride. He showed up, no matter what.

Christopher loved with his whole heart and always put others before himself. If you ever needed anything, he was there. He will be remembered for his kindness, giving nature, quick wit, sense of humor, amazing smile, and the way he loved selflessly.

He is survived by his father, Robert James Wheeler; daughter, Heather Shay Wheeler; grandchildren, Zachery Butler, Zoe Butler, and Isaac (Anna) Butler; great-grandchildren, Alaia Ann Butler and GreysonLee Christian Butler; siblings, Shelia (William) Brooks, Pamela Wheeler-Margallis, and Melinda Pryor; former spouse, Susan Skytta and the Stafford Family. Chris is further survived by other family members and friends too numerous to list.

He was preceded in death by his son, Christopher James Wheeler Jr.; his mother, Lillian Faye Wheeler; nephew, David Francis II; brother-in-law, Rick Pryor; and mother-in-law, Nancy Stafford. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com