John Westley Wheeler, Jr. was born on January 21, 1981, to the late John Westley Wheeler, Sr. and Jacqueline Lee Wheeler, at Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Westley attended Maryland public schools but attended Oxon Hill (Science and Tech) High School. While attending Oxon Hill he was involved in many activities—including Junior ROTC, Oxon Hill Gospel Choir, and was awarded the lead-male singing and dancing role in the musical play, "Gypsy."

He graduated from Oxon Hill's Science and Tech Program in 1998. In 2002, he graduated from Howard University [cum laude] with a 3.46 GPA. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree—with a major in Political Science and a minor in English. He then attended American University, graduating in 2006 with a 3.1 GPA. He received a Master of Public Administration—with a major in Public Administration and a concentration in Public Policy.

Westley's work career was expansive—He worked for former Congressman Albert Wynn (Maryland's 4 th District) through the Congressional Black Caucus—clerked for Judge Andrea Y. McKissick—worked at UNICCO contracting company as a Customer Service Representative—worked at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) as a Contract Specialist—worked for YRCI contracting company as a Contract Specialist—worked at Staples office supply store—and worked at CVS.

In May 1990, Westly, his brother, and parents received the Right-Hand-of-Fellowship at the Church of Jesus Christ, Washington, D.C. During his tenure, John was active in church. Some of his activities included: Young People's Choir, Praise Team, Drama Department, Usher Board, and Young People's Auxiliary, sometimes serving as a devotional leader. He will mostly be remembered for his God-gifted tenor voice—whether ministering on the Praise Team as a strong tenor singing Richard Smallwood's song, "Total Praise," or whether ministering on the Choir as a melodious tenor while leading Fred Hammond's song, "You Are the Living Word."

Westley loved the Lord; he became an avid reader—not only of his Bible—but, also of books which inspired and clarified his personal mission of seeking a closer relationship with Christ. He had a massive library, which included such books as, "The God Chasers," "The Pursuit of Holiness," "Prayer," and "The Purpose Driven Life." Also, because of his extensive knowledge of the Scriptures—combined with being an English minor—he was the proofreader for his mother's monthly Sunday School essays. Westley would read, correct, and make suggestions on improving her work; ninety-nine percent of the time, he was correct; he will be sorely missed. He leaves to cherish his memories his beloved mother, Jacqueline Lee Wheeler; his brother, Daniel Lee Wheeler (Alejandra); his nephew, Neo Sebastian Wheeler; his grandmother, Olivia Green; his aunt, Thelma Irene Freeman (Sylvester), and a host of cousins and friends.