James Thomas Wilson

James Thomas Wilson passed away December 31, 2022 after a short illness. He was the son of the late Thomas Willard Wilson and Mary Jane McCullen. Surviving are his wife of 28 years, Johann; stepson, Jason Bowen; son, Aaron (Amanda) of Winston-Salem. From Mt. Olive are his beloved sister, Della Ann (Larry); his devoted nieces, Kristie (Kris) Kiley and Karan (Greg); grandnieces, Tatum, Bailey, Sydnee, A.J.; and grandnephews, Garett, and Phillip.

Jim was born in Goldsboro and grew up in Newton Grove, NC. He attended Piney Grove Elementary School and enjoyed planning a yearly reunion with his first grade classmates. He was a protective older brother to Della Ann during the time they were at Hobbton High School in Newton Grove. He loved sports, especially basketball, and was the captain of the football, basketball, and baseball teams his senior year. After graduation in 1966, he joined the Air Force and served from 1967 until 1974 with a year in Da Nang, Vietnam. He left the service as a staff sergeant firefighter at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro.

He was a manager at National Health Lab, a truck driver, and worked for the Red Cross until he became a disabled veteran. Jim took his disability in stride and in doing this, served as an example to many.

Jim loved helping people and never met a stranger. He could fix about anything, but it always meant several trips to the hardware store.

Jim, you will be sorely missed. Breathe easy gentle man, and talk as much as you want.

A celebration of life is being planned.

Special thank you to Della Ann and her family, my friends Sally and Robin, and Jason Bowen for their loving support. Couldn’t have made it without you. And to the Forsyth EMS, Vienna Fire Department, and Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, thank you for your wonderful care.