By Lauren FitzPatrick
Staff writer
Despite his famous moniker among Illinois motorcyclists, “Sidecar Jack” was more like the leader of the pack.
Albeit he was an organizer who led humbly, getting his hands dirty in whatever needed doing rather than barking out orders.
Jack Wheeler had a wide circle of friends and colleagues who agreed on one thing: He would lend a hand to anyone in need.
“I don’t know what people will do without him,” said his wife, Lin. “He always had something going on (and) always found time.”
Mr. Wheeler, 50, died Oct. 21 in a trucking accident on eastbound Interstate 94 as he was hauling steel coil to Indiana Harbor. Unable to brake, he swerved his semi truck into a truck in front of him, driver’s side first, and was killed.
Investigators still aren’t sure why he failed to stop, but his wife said she is comforted that he didn’t suffer.
Raised in Riverdale, Mr. Wheeler was always around vehicles, and he started riding motorcycles at age 14.
He was an active member of Crete’s HOG — or Harley Owners Group — and then some 20 years ago, he became involved in the state helmet debate through the motorcycling lobbyist group, ABATE –A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education. He also battled the motorcycle ban on Lake Shore Drive.
Mr. Wheeler organized biker rides like Chicago’s annual Polar Bear Ride on New Year’s Day and the Rosemont Swap Meet.
“He lived and breathed this stuff,” said fellow ABATE officer Greg “Sidecar” Wagner. “He was in everything.”
In fact, Wagner said Mr. Wheeler organized or chaired anything he could get his hands on. He was ABATE’s assistant state coordinator for about 14,000 members statewide, and a member of the South Suburban chapter that spans from Chicago’s South Side down to the Will County line.
He’d ride regularly in Rolling Thunder, the motorcycle parade through Arlington National Cemetery that honors veterans. Riding toward the front of the pack, he’d put a news cameraman or parade guest in his sidecar. One year it was Jamie Lee Curtis, Wagner said.
He also stood firmly against the proposed airport near Peotone, serving as the political liaison of Shut This Airport Nightmare Down (STAND), moderating meetings. Wheeler said neither she nor her husband wanted to see farmland paved over and trees cut down with so many small, expandable airports nearby.
And he was so good to Chicagoland Toys for Tots that its 27th annual motorcycle ride Dec. 5 has been dedicated to “Sidecar Jack.” The ride will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of 84th Street and Western Avenue.
News of his death appears on many of the organizations’ Web sites. ABATE Illinois simply reads: RIP Jack Wheeler.
“It’s going to be mighty hard shoes to fill,” Wagner said. “It’ll take a few people.”
Always good with his hands, Mr. Wheeler had worked as an electrician for a rail company, fixing rails and making service calls until the economy soured, and then he drove a semi truck. He also gave the commercial driver’s license exam to truckers.
“He’d always greet you with a smile and say, ‘What’s happening?’ ” Wagner said. “He was just one of those guys.”
Arrangements were by Hirsch Funeral Home, (708) 672-7211.
Wheeler is also survived by his daughter Michelle; brothers Tom and Jim; and many friends and fellow bikers.
Lauren FitzPatrick may be reached at lfitzpatrick@dailysouthtown.com or (708) 633-5964.
