JAMES (J P) WHELESS, 89, a resident of Irving since 1960, died Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at the Dallas Veterans Medical Center. Born June 28, 1923 in Telephone, Texas, he was the son of Oliver L. and Clemmie Lue Essery Wheless. He served in the United States Army during World War II in the European Theater. He married Thelma Jo Thurman June 18, 1951 in Bonham, Texas. He worked for Pfizer Drug Company for many years and was a member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. Preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Roy Wheless and Joe Wheless, sister, Mildred Hamilton, and his beloved wife Jo Wheless in 2011, he is survived by a son Garry D. Wheless and wife Janie of Irving; daughter Sherry Duncan and husband Paul of Hico; four grandchildren, Laura K. Wheless, Kimberly A. Slaughter and husband Scott, Caleb P. Duncan and wife Jessica, and Caitlin N. Duncan; a great grandson, Ethan S. Slaughter; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 11, 2013 in the Chapel of First Baptist Church, 403 Main Street in Irving. Wayne Watkins will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas.