Mr. James Arthur Wilson, Sr.

James Arthur Wilson, Sr, was born on February 14, 1934 in Caldwell, Texas, the only child of Millie Ann Gerald. He accepted Christ at an early age and united with New Friendship Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Burks. He was thankful for the opportunity to play his instrument in church as directed and encouraged by Rev. Burks. He was educated at Wheatley Elementary School, Lincoln High School, and Tennessee A & I State College, later renamed Tennessee State University. While at TSU, he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and was affectionally called Cat Daddy. He began teaching in Crockett, Texas, and after one year of teaching, he was drafted into the United States Army. After he completed basic training, he served the remainder of his enlistment in the 97th Army Band. He resumed his teaching career in Calvert, Texas and during that time, he met and married Bessie B. Ball. He soon accepted a band director position at Booker T. Washington High School and soon after that, he accepted another band director position at Central High School both in Galveston, Texas. By 1969, James moved his family to Dallas where he began working as the band director at Boude Storey Junior High, and within a few years, he accepted the band director position at South Oak Cliff High School. He remained employed with DISD for many years working as a Site Coordinator for high school bands and eventually back into the band hall/classroom at the elementary school level, believing that if he caught young musicians at an earlier age, he would be able to lead them to a successful and accomplished musical career. In 1975, James opened Downbeat Music Store where he enjoyed almost three decades of offering music lessons, instrument repair, and rich and storied experiences for both novice and veteran musicians. Downbeat Music Store was simply the musical buzz around town! He also opened Downbeat Party Rentals and Downbeat Shoe Shine Parlor in the early to mid-1980’s. By 1987, James leased a building two doors down from Downbeat Music Store and opened Downbeat Seafood Restaurant, which remained open for over 11 years. The aroma of fried catfish and the sounds of classic jazz routinely filled the four walls of the restaurant, a fulfillment of a dream James had since his days as a busboy at Gaido’s in Galveston, Texas. By his very nature, James was a hard-working man. He deeply loved his family and friends, his Downbeat family, and his band students. He provided for his family, never met a stranger, and was willing to help others with an unwavering commitment to them. He labored many years for the benefit of his family, friends, students and countless customers.

Preceding James in death is his beloved mother, Millie Ann Whitmore, his wife, Bessie B. Wilson and his son, Dr. James A. Wilson, Jr. James leaves to cherish his memories: his daughter, Letisha Hamilton (Bobby), his grandchildren, Jonathan (Amber), Zachary, and Natalie, and his great granddaughter, Drue, his sister-in-law, Lucille Williams, his brother-in-law, Floyd Ball (Lois) and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, friends, and former students.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.laurellanddallas.com for the Wilson, family.