James Wilson III

Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Houston. Jim attended Robert E. Lee High School where he was an active student and excelled in football and track. He was a graduate of Texas Christian University and a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He was a lifelong member of the Briar Club in Houston and a member of The Church of St. John the Divine.

Jim was President of Jim Wilson and Associates, a company started by his father. He later became President of United Representatives and was currently a Partner in the Sovereign Sales Group. Jim loved his work and was well respected throughout the building materials industry.

Despite his demanding work schedule, Jim always made time for the two things most important to him, family and fun. He was a volunteer coach for many years for his son’s church league sports teams and later he and his wife were devoted supporters of his son’s school teams. No matter what his travel schedule entailed, he would always make it back for the big game. Jim’s dedication to his son and his endeavors helped forge the inseparable bond that the two would form. For over 30 years, he was a member of the Cold River Cattle Company BBQ Cook-off team. He could always be found in the Cold River tent on Saturday morning as the team hosted their annual Sunshine Kids event, arguably having as much fun as the kids themselves. Jim also loved to take his family to Balboa Island, California, a Wilson family tradition that crosses generations. After a day at the beach or on the golf course, Jim could be found on the patio listening to Jimmy Buffett and playing cards. He loved the slow pace, cool water and beautiful weather of Balboa, a special vacation destination since his childhood.

An avid sailor, Jim spent countless hours sailing on Galveston Bay as part of a crew who became not only great friends, but a second family. The group frequently raced in the Harvest Moon Regatta to Port Aransas, many times getting the canon as they crossed the finish line. He also sailed in the Regatta de Amigos from Galveston to Veracruz and always loved sailing into the Veracruz harbor. He became Captain Jim to his son’s friends when he and two other dads took the boys sailing in the British Virgin Islands for their college graduation. It was an adventure they will always remember.

Jim was a member of the United States Golf Association and a Volunteer Marshal at the 2011 US Open in Bethesda, Maryland. Even though he was undergoing chemotherapy, he worked on the 18th hole with his wife and son sitting in the grandstands cheering him on. Sunday, the 19th of June, at the Open, was a special Father’s Day for the Wilson family.

He is survived by his dearly loved wife and best friend of 35 years, Pamela Davidson Wilson; and the son he adored, Zachary James Wilson. He is also survived by his sister, Georgeann Wilson Eidman, his nephew, Mark Lynn Lester; Mark’s wife, Elizabeth; their daughter, Elinor; his niece, Courtney Ann Eidman; his mother in law, Peggy Fuller, and other relatives and friends. Jim was predeceased by his parents, James Wilson, Jr. and Virginia Batchelder Wilson; as well as his brother in law, Kraft Gregory Eidman.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until eight o’clock in the evening on Wednesday, the 30th of November, in the Library and Grand Foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A memorial service is to be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Thursday, the 1st of December, at The Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard in Houston, where The Rev. Dr. Laurens A. Hall, Rector, and The Rev. Dr. Douglas Richnow, Senior Associate Rector, are to officiate.

Honored to serve as casket bearers during Thursday’s services are James Maroney, Andrew Simpson, Charles White, Steve Cumley, Rob Chain, Jack LaBelle, Kent Hurley and Dr. Paul Brindly.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in honor of Jim may be directed to The Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Blvd., Houston, TX, 77019; or to the Sunshine Kids, 2814 Virginia St., Houston, TX, 77098.