Retirement Job: Clerk of the Florida First District Court of Appeal, 1991-2017
Jon Wheeler, 79, was accompanied by the angels and saints to be with the Lord on May 17, 2023, in Tallahassee, Florida. While the rest of his earthly body broke down, his heart endured, and he used the last weeks of his life to bring peace and unity to his visiting family and friends before passing to be with Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior.
Jon was born in Richmond, Virginia, on April 30, 1944, to Maurice and Helen Wheeler. He moved to Florida as a teenager and lived in Miami and Tampa before attending Florida State University in 1962. Jon met the love of his life, MaryLynn Kennedy, while at FSU. Upon graduation in 1966, he became the first student ever accepted at Florida State University School of Law with his application to the inaugural class receiving special consideration for early acceptance due to his commitment to commission into the United States Air Force.
Jon and MaryLynn Wheeler married on July 16, 1966. After graduating FSU Law in 1968, Jon proudly served in the United Sates Air Force for over 22 years as a Judge Advocate. His assignments included multiple permanent changes of station throughout the United States including a tour in Fairbanks, Alaska. He exhibited the Air Force core values of integrity, service, and excellence throughout his career. Among several honors, he was selected as the Air Force recipient of the Kuhfeld Award, given to the top lawyer in the United States Air Force. He also served as Judge Advocate for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon before finishing his career as the head JAG for the Air Force District of Washington as a Colonel.
Following service of his country and retirement in December 1990, Jon served his state as the Clerk of the Court for the First District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee, Florida, until his retirement in 2017. During these 27 years and following his retirement, he was a leader in the community. While his health allowed, Jon was often seen in the front row pew or administering the Eucharist at Good Shepherd Catholic Church. He was a stalwart fan at every Florida State athletic event that allowed spectators. Jon had an inexhaustible supply of advice, compassion, and corny jokes that touched the lives of those with whom he worshipped, worked, and interacted in the community.
A mass and memorial service were held Thursday, May 25, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 4665 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee. A committal ceremony with full military honors was held from 12-12:30 p.m. on Friday, May 26, at Tallahassee National Cemetery, 5015 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee. The family would like to invite all interested to attend any or all of these events. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Big Bend Hospice or K-9s for Warriors.