Coach Wild and coached and taught together at HIghland Park Junior High School back in the late 60s. We became even closer when he invited me to work with him in his woodworking shop. We worked evenings and some weekends after Thanksgiving make our Christmas presents. As young teachers, we had a shortage of money which required us to be more creative. I was a real novice in the shop, but Jim patiently taught me as he did his students. Early on I used the same projects as his beginning students. Here some half century later, at least two of my relatives still have their pig cutting boards. Those are fond memories. I left teaching after three years and lost track of Jim. I never remember him saying negative things about anyone. He was a class act and fun at work or play. I probably never told him how much I appreciated him. Rest In Peace, my friend for a life well lived.

We were all lucky to have been influenced by Coach Wild.  He ruled with a firm hand but a smile on his face that was infectious to all around.  He was sincere and honest.  When he said something good about you, you knew it was real and it meant the world.

Jim and I taught for nine years together at McCulloch Middle School.  He was my colleague and my friend, and I mourn his passing.  He had a great sense of humor, and he would do anything for a friend.  I'm glad you posted the video.  The last time I spoke with Jim was just before he moved to Spring, Tx, and he was excited about moving there.  I'll miss his spirit.

thanks so much for the video -just watched it Coach was a great influence on 7th grade boys and always a treat to be around (not so much in the paint room ) my prayers go out to all

Chief,  You will be missed I your fun and smiling.

Ben,  Fraternity Brother and friend

One of the best human beings ever. Sorry I didn't get to see him more. Love and prayers to the family!

Chief you were a great guy!  A good friend, a strong family man who loved his wife, his children and grand children so very much.  Always a big smile and a hearty laugh.  You were one of a kind and irreplaceable.  We will all miss you greatly!  You were a top hand all the way. You ran a full race and fought the good fight.  Rest in blessed peace!

Dearest Wild/Williams families,
Your dad was so proud of all of you, working so hard to provide, be a good example and influencing so many across several generations!  I can't imagine how much he missed Nancy and know the reunion was incredibly joyous!  Many you all be comforted by great memories, remember the humor and wisdom he imparted to you all.  May God richly bless you all and give you peace.

Thanks for everything Coach!
You will be missed!!

What a great man and role model for those of us fortunate enough to have him as a teacher and coach and friend.

Chief always had a smile on his face, even when he would give us SWATS in his wood shop class!  And MAN, could he give tough swats!  I will always remember our mighty Gold football team with him as our fearless leader and Koons as his assistant!

Great times and a wonderful man loved by all who knew him.  Thanks Coach for the time you gave us young men.

I was in Coach Wild's class about 1969 at HPJHS. I appreciate the attention he gave me and other students there. Note the photo in the collection marked "Teacher." He will not be forgotten.

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

Pop-Pop, you've been a huge influence on my life, and I was happy to share Memorial Day Weekend with you as the last time I saw you. You told me you saw me walk the stage to get my High School Diploma, and was very proud of me for going off to college. I'm going to miss you for the rest of my life, but I have a good mind knowing you were there throughout my entire childhood and got to see me take my first steps as an independent adult. Love you forever.

I have many memories of "The Chief" that extends back to the Pecan Heights Neighborhood. He didn't live in Pecan Heights but his dad had a garage behind Bachelor's Texaco station. He hung out with the kids in Pecan Heights and was considered part of the neighborhood gang. Gangs had a different meaning 65 years ago.  Chief was witty, smart could always make you laugh. I got to reconnect with him just a few years ago. I have old as well as recent memories of a guy we will all miss.  Blessed be his memory.



I've been out of town since hearing the news last Friday. There is not enough space nor words to describe what Chief means to me, my four sons and my family so I won't attempt this. I know Chief knew our affection towards him. I ditto much of what others have said. 
Ever so often God puts someone special in our lives and He certainly did this with Chief. I have no better friend than him and I will never lose the impact Chief has on me. Dixie, Glen, spouses, Marie and Walker: take comfort in knowing where Chief is now--in His presence and with Nancy.

Peace to you all,

Tom

Rest in peace Chiefy. will always remember you

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Chief was truly a "one of a kind" guy whom I will always recall as Paragon Pledge and one of the most humorous guys I'd ever met. It was a pleasure knowing Chief and I will always think of him as him as a very unique friend.
Charlie Patterson  Greenville, Texas.

We were both fortunate to know Chief as a college classmate, and he was my fraternity brother too.  Later, we ran into Chief and Nancy at places in Dallas like the Circus and museums where we had carried our young children.  He was truly one of a kind.  Our condolences to the family on their loss.

The Chief always made me laugh, except in Wood Shop since Shop was "Serious Business". He was a wonderful man.

My thoughts and prayers are with Coach Wild and his family.

Rest In Peace, Chief.  You always brought
joy to my heart!

Chief was truly one of a kind - the best kind - always pleasant. 
It was my pleasure to know Chief for 60 years and talk with him often.

He will be missed.

B

We were blessed to have known "Chief" and Nancy as neighbors on Parkview Cr. for many years.  Even though Nancy tried to keep the lid on Chief, he still managed to spice up our little neighborhood!  May God bless each of you as you grieve his loss and celebrate a great man's life.  Much love, Carolyn & Randy

James (Chief) Wild was a good friend to many people in the Spring, TX area. His knowledge and sense of humor were second to none. We will miss you Chief.

One great man glad to call you a cousin RIP Chief  Neil Hunter Weaverville NC

Coach Wild was one of my favorite teachers and coaches who has always held a special place in my heart. I always appreciated coaches humor, passion and enthusiasm. He touched so many people in such a profound and positive way. I am grateful to have known Coach Wild. My thoughts and prayers are with the Wild family.

RIP Coach Wild. I'll never forget some of the life lessons learned in your wood shop class in middle school. You certainly made an impact on a lot of young men at Highland Park, and you will not be forgotten. God bless your family.

great man thank you for the help you gave me RIP

I first met Chief when we were both freshman at East Texas State University (now Texas A&M University-Commerce).  Chief was a larger than life personality.  Thus it was no surprise he was elected cheerleader for several years running.  Chief and I both pledged Paragon Social Club (which later became of chapter of Kappa Alpha Order) it hardly seems possible that was 60 years ago this coming September.  He was a gregarious, fun loving person, whom I admired all of my life.  I am so sorry to see him go.

I have been blessed to have several people who made an impact on me, my life, and career. Coach Wild was one of those people who made an impact on me in such a positive way. he instilled in me not only discipline but treated me as an adult at an age that well I probably didnt deserve such treatment. These lessons helped me throughout my life for that I am grateful  My you rest in peace

I'll never forget you, Coach.  You were a great influence on so many young men, and it was a lot of fun playing for you on the 7th Grade "Gold" team, as well as your woodshop class. You were tough on us, but fair, and extremely funny.  You were exactly what young men who were your players and students needed at the time.  Thank you and rest well, Sir.  My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time for them.

Brother Chief Wild was the epitomy of a
Southern Gentleman of the Kappa Alpha Order.  What a great Brother and true
Knight!  Chief will always be remembered
for his great sense of humor, that huge smile, and love of his fellow man.
Brother John Chenault

OBITUARY

James Arthur Wild

July 2, 1939 – June 30, 2017

Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home & Hillcrest Mausoleum & Memorial Park

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