21.03.2014

John Wheeldon 1927 - 2014

John Wheeldon, one of the first people to be recruited by Joseph Cyril Bamford when he founded JCB, has died aged 87. He passed away peacefully on Wednesday at his home in Uttoxeter.

Employed in 1948 Wheeldon went on to become the company’s first ever demonstrator, before going on to set up JCB’s Training School and later becoming visits manager. He retired in 1990 after 42 years service, only to later return part-time as a tour guide.

Father-of-two Wheeldon, started a family tradition of working for JCB. His daughter Jane Staley is the personal assistant to JCB chairman Anthony Bamford and this month marks her 50 years service with the company.
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Wheeldon at the controls of a JCB machine

Bamford, who was taught how to drive JCB machines by Wheeldon, said: “I knew John from when I was a very young child because he was one of the first people my father employed. He was a true gentleman and a very loyal employee. My sympathies go out to Jane and all the family at what is a very sad time.”

As well as being one of the first JCB employees Wheeldon was also one of JCB’s first customers. Working on farms between Uttoxeter and Alton he purchased a screw-tipping trailer from the young company in 1946. In an interview in 1995 to mark JCB’s 50th anniversary, he recalled: “I was one of Mr Bamford’s earliest customers and after I bought one of his screw tipping trailers, he would send other customers to see me to understand the capabilities of his products. When I joined JCB, he said I could work as a general hand but I would have to learn how to weld and he would teach me, which he did.”