POWERGRAMS

James Wheeler said his inspiration for volunteering many hours in his community every week is a favorite gospel tune he first heard as a boy. "I can remember while I was growing up, I would listen to spirituals with my mom, and there was a song by Mahalia Jackson that said, 'What you do for yourself, you can do for somebody else.' And that stuck in my head all my life," Wheeler said. "I've had a good life, and I've been blessed," he continued. "I believe that when God blesses you, you have an obligation to return that blessing to somebody else." After his workday ends, it's not unusual for the Jackson Office manager to spend another four to five hours volunteering his time on a community service project. Because of that commitment, he was named the 2014 Jackson Citizen of the Year. "I was very excited and humbled," said Wheeler, who received the award at a Jackson Rotary Club banquet. "But it was also surprising because when I do things for people, I just do it. I don't expect somebody to give me an award for it." Through the years, Wheeler has played a leadership role in both his community and county. As vice president of the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, he assisted with the logistics for that organization's 2013 fall festival. The annual event featured about 140 food and craft vendors, dancers, a children's play area, a logging contest, and car and tractor shows. Wheeler called on a local electrical contractor to design and rebuild the system that would power the downtown event. Working with Wheeler, the contractor set up the power poles, installed circuit breakers, plugs and lights, and routed wires. Wheeler enlisted Mobile Division Distribution Specialist Stella Clark's help in designing maps of the festival grounds. By posting four large maps strategically throughout the area, visitors could easily locate everything from the concession stands, the two stages and play area to parking, restrooms and the first aid station. Each vendor received a small map, which they used to select their booth location. The chamber has asked Wheeler to provide similar logistical assistance for its first rodeo on May 9-10. "James is so faithful to be involved in our nonprofit organizations all over the city, and he really knows what he's doing," said Carolyn Carpenter, executive director, Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce. "He was especially helpful with our fall festival, which is our biggest money-maker, and made sure all the vendors had the power they needed. James is a godly man with a wonderful work ethic." Since his 37-year-old daughter Kimberly was a little girl, Wheeler's primary focus has been on taking part in projects that improve the lives of children. "My daughter would come home from school saying somebody in her class didn't have a snack or didn't have a pencil or construction paper," he said. "I started helping her give to these kids. I saw the condition of their lives, and I've been helping as much as I could ever since." One effort close to his heart is the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program. This national program prepares parents to teach their children and become engaged in their learning process. As a Clarke County HIPPY advisory board member, Wheeler helps coordinate educational workshops and health fairs for children, and raises funds for the organization. On April 5, Wheeler grilled hamburgers and assisted with activities at HIPPY's year-end picnic. "It's a super program that brings families together and I'm proud to be a part of it," Wheeler said. Wheeler is on the board of directors of the Alabama Southern Community College Foundation, which provides scholarships and grants to students in need. Wheeler often lends a helping hand at Jackson Intermediate School, where his wife, Gwen, is principal. On Feb. 21, Gwen's birthday, he bought 480 cupcakes – enough for every child at the school. Wheeler has served his country as well as his community. After eight years in the U.S. Army, he was in the Reserve for 13 years until 1991. Before retiring, he served a tour of duty in the Persian Gulf during Desert Storm. Wheeler, who has worked at Alabama Power for 34 years, said he is grateful to the company for supporting his passion for helping others. "I don't fish or hunt or get excited about sports on TV," said Wheeler. "But I do get excited about the charities I'm involved in, and it's rewarding when somebody is helped through these projects." By Carla Davis POWER TO ALABAMA Citizen of the Year 2 Wheeler frequently visits Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce. JACKSON OFFICE MANAGER HONORED FOR COMMUNITY WORK IndyCar Series driver Graham Rahal spoke with students from Birmingham schools during Alabama Power's fourth annual Automobiles for a Cleaner Tomorrow event at Barber Motorsports Park. Photo by Wynter Byrd. ON THE COVER: Wheeler's acceptance speech at Rotary Club.

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