James Jeffry Wheeler, 57, of Charlotte, North Carolina, transitioned to his heavenly home on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at Atrium Health Pineville.  He was born on July 21, 1965 to Beatrice Barnes Campbell and the late James Wheeler in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Jeff was preceded in death by his grandparents, James and Geneva Barnes; stepfather, Alvester Campbell; siblings, Tara Barnes Quicksey and Steve Barnes; and stepdaughter, Dominique Welch.

On June 14, 2003, he married Natalie Welch; they were married for 19 years.  Jeff was a loving husband who enjoyed caring for and surprising his wife with all sorts of special treats.

He graduated from East Mecklenburg Senior High School, and was employed at Frito-Lay for over 30 years until his retirement.  He then worked for Professional Security Services (PSS) where he was employed at the time of his passing.

Jeff loved spending time with his family, grilling out, and listening to a wide range of musical genres from jazz to country to hip-hop.  Jeff was affectionately known as the "Gentle Giant," large in stature, but with a gentle nature.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Natalie; mother, Beatrice Campbell of Charlotte, NC; mother-in-law, Dorothy Forston of Henderson, NC; aunt, Rose Montgomery of Phoenix, AZ; siblings, Kenny Barnes and Phillip Barnes; sister-in-law, Harriet Barnes; brothers-in-law, Alvin Forston and Patrick Forston (Tonia); children, Ailicia Miachelle Fate Torrence (Jamarcus) and Brandon James Fate; stepchildren, Christian Welch, Nicole Welch, and Mercedes Welch, all of Charlotte, NC; twenty grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.