James Donald Wilson

James “Jim” Donald Wilson, 49, of Chicago, IL, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024, after a seven-year courageous battle with cancer. Jim was visited by many loving friends and family from near and far during the weeks prior to his passing.

Jim was the beloved husband of Janell Wilson; cherished son of James “Jim” and Elizabeth “Betsy” Wilson; loving brother of Jessie and Bethany Wilson; fond brother-in-law of David & Deirdre Picchietti and Scott & Kima Picchietti; admired uncle of Micah, Gavin, Nolan (Kristie), Alex (Carly), Sam (Carlie), Connor (Isabella) and Nick (Alline); and great uncle of Makenzie, Averie, Natalie, Jonah, Charlie, Nello, and Naomi.

Jim grew up in Strongsville, Ohio. He had fond memories of vacationing in Myrtle Beach during the summers and having such a blast with his cousin, Bo Wilson. Jim was a talented trumpet player, playing in the marching band and jazz band throughout high school. He grew up playing soccer with best friends Mark Stiglitz, Ryan Burt and Jim Kramer. He enjoyed ski club, days at Cedar Point, midnight bowling, and spending time with his friends.

Jim graduated from the University of Cincinnati, where he studied architecture. He discovered his interest in airport terminal design during a college internship and went on to join Landrum & Brown in Chicago as a terminal planner for seven years. He obtained his architecture license and spent the next six years at HOK as an aviation planner. He spent five years at Jacobsen Daniels and became director of terminal planning, heading up the Chicago office. In 2018, Jim started his own firm, WJD Planning. There he continued to work as an architect and planner, supporting the design and development of airport terminal buildings around the country. Jim always had a desire to bring people together to accomplish meaningful goals and help people learn and grow. He was able to mentor and contribute to the success of many throughout his career.

Jim met his wife Janell at a St. Patrick’s Day party in 2003. Their connection was instant, and they married the following year. Their honeymoon in Hawaii gave them the travel bug, and they enjoyed many trips back to the islands to hike, golf and kayak. Jim taught Janell to ski and they got to enjoy the slopes of Colorado, Utah and Canada together. Jim even planned several “ski and sun” trips so they could enjoy the best of both worlds in one winter vacation. Jim and Janell visited Las Vegas at least once a year, with the last several years including friends, the Wilbur Kramlitz crew. Cruises to Alaska, Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Baltic Sea were always packed with fun, and vacations to Europe included some of their coolest adventures. Jim was fortunate to get to travel to over 100 destinations and nearly 30 different countries around the world throughout his life.

A visitation for Jim will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024, from 9AM to 11AM at Drake and Son Funeral Home, located at 5303 N. Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625. A memorial service will take place at 11:30AM in The Chapel at Graceland Cemetery, 4001 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60613, with the burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Northwestern Memorial Foundation in memory of Jim Wilson, your gift will support lung cancer research under the direction of Dr. Jyoti Patel, or Rainbow Hospice Ark.