Joe Wheeler, Author of More Than 100 Books, Passes to His Rest

Joseph L. Wheeler, best known for his Christmas in My Heart series, died Tuesday morning, December 16 in Annapolis, Maryland, United States. He was 89. An author and editor/compiler of more than 100 books, Wheeler was widely regarded as one of America’s leading short-story anthologists. 

Born May 30, 1936, at St. Helena Sanitarium in California’s Napa Valley, Wheeler came from a deep Adventist heritage. His great-great-great-great-grandfather was Frederick Wheeler, known to Adventist historians as the first Sabbathkeeping Adventist minister. His mother, Barbara Leininger Wheeler, was a stage-performing elocutionist who homeschooled her son for the first 16 years of his life and instilled in him a lifelong love of stories and poetry. 

While a student at Pacific Union College, Wheeler was mentored by Walter Utt, who helped further his interest and skill as a storyteller. Following graduation, Wheeler spent 34 years teaching at the junior high, high school, junior college, college, and university levels, sharing his passion for storytelling with generations of students. 

Wheeler served as professor emeritus of English at Washington Adventist University, general editor at Focus on the Family, and cofounder and executive director of the international Zane Grey’s West Society. 

[Click here to read a 2010 Adventist Review story in which Wheeler was interviewed by a former student, as well as comments from several former students at Washington Adventist University.]

In addition to the best-selling Christmas in My Heart® series—the longest-running series of story collections in America—Wheeler edited several other storybook series, including: 

• Great Stories Remembered

• Heart to Heart, Forged in the Fire

• The Good Lord Made Them All®

• My Favorite . . .

In 1992 Wheeler often said, “God booted me out of the classroom into a full-time ministry of stories.” That calling resulted in more than 100 books published by 16 publishing houses in multiple languages. Wheeler focused on stories “that move the reader so deeply they prove all but impossible to forget—stories that incorporate values worth living by.” 

Wheeler’s Great Stories Remembered series received Family Television’s highest honor, the Seal of Quality, and Christmas in My Heart was a finalist for the Christian Booksellers Association Gold Medallion Award. Combined, his books have sold more than 1.5 million copies. “It’s all a God thing,” Wheeler once said. “I’m just humbled that He stoops down to partner with the least of His children.” 

Wheeler’s influence extended well beyond the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The late James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, referred to Wheeler as “America’s Keeper of the Story.” When Wheeler’s 100th book was published, Dobson wrote: 

“My great friend, Joe Wheeler, has been blessing folks with his compilations of Christmas stories for over 25 years. In 1993 a colleague brought his first book to my attention and specifically the story ‘The Tiny Foot.’ I remember reading that true story and being moved to tears. I called Joe, and we immediately struck up a friendship that has now spanned over two decades. In fact, Joe has permitted me to use several Christmas in My Heart stories over the years for my December newsletters—and they’re always very well received. I’m proud to be your friend!”

Mark Thomas, former president of the Review and Herald Publishing Association, worked closely with Wheeler and recalled his impact: “Joe Wheeler was a good friend of the Review and Herald. Our employees loved it when he would come for our special Christmas in My Heart chapel and read a chapter from his newest release. They would line up to have him sign stacks of his books to give as gifts. My wife and I have given his books as gifts for years, and they are treasured by all who receive them. Joe put Christmas in all of our hearts!” 

Dale Galusha, president of Pacific Press Publishing Association, added, “Joe was a friend to everyone he met. Working on projects with him was always enjoyable and fun. He took time to visit and make each person feel loved and appreciated. His books and stories will continue his legacy and be treasured by generations to come.”

Joe leaves behind his wife, Connie; son, Greg; daughter, Michelle Wheeler Culmore; son-in-law, Duane Culmore; grandson Taylor Culmore; grandson Seth Culmore and wife, Katelynn Culmore; brother, Romayne; sister, Marjorie Raymond; and brother-in-law, Elmer Raymond.

Joe Wheeler’s lifetime of treasured stories still resonates with readers, touching hearts and sparking imaginations.

The original version of this story was posted on the North American Division news site.