James R. (Jim) Wilson passed away peacefully at his home on October 30, 2017. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Bettye, his children, Robert (and wife Anne), Katherine (and husband Jeff) and Amy, along with grandchildren Doug (and spouse Jordan), Michael ( and wife Sarah), Nurrie, Katie, and one great-grandchild, Silas. He is also survived by his brother Billy (and wife Beverly), Sister-in-law Sara Wilson, nephew Harry Ballard (and wife Gail) and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Jim was born in Pheba, MS on October 16, 1933. He attended Starkville schools and Mississippi State University, where he served in the ROTC. Upon graduation in 1952 Jim served in the United States Air Force. He and Bettye were married in 1954 and lived in Big Spring, TX until his separation from active duty. They returned to Starkville where Jim joined the family International Harvester dealership. He continued to serve in the Air Force Reserves and eventually retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel.

Jim lived most of his life in Starkville, and lived and worked in Louisiana and north Mississippi from 1973 until his retirement in 1993. While active in the International Harvester dealership, Jim was a proud member of the Starkville Chamber of Commerce and served as its President. He was a Charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Starkville. He served on the Board of Alderman for the City of Starkville, and the Board of Commissioners of the Golden Triangle Regional Solid Waste Management Authority.

Jim was an avid sportsman and outdoorsman throughout his life. He refereed high school football for many years. Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing trips with his family and friends to Montana, the Dakotas, Kansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Texas, and, of course, his beloved Mississippi. He also enjoyed family vacations along the US Gulf Coast from Florida to Texas as well as trips with Bettye to the West Coast, the Caribbean and throughout the US.

Jim was a generous, caring person who was a character in many ways and will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, November 1, 2017 from 12:30-2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Starkville, MS, with the funeral service immediately following in the church sanctuary. Burial will be in Oddfellows Cemetery.