James Francis Wilson

Funeral services for James Francis Wilson of Morristown, Tennessee will be held at a future date YTD, in Woodville, Mississippi.

James was born in Vernon, Connecticut, May 17, 1943, to Alice Kiernan Wilson and Richard V. Wilson. His family later moved to Reseda, California where James spent his adolescence through High School. In 1962, James enlisted in the United States Air Force and attended Basic Training in Montgomery Alabama. Upon completion, he was stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. After completion of his medical training, James was assigned as an X-Ray technician. It was during his time assigned to the base hospital that he met his future wife Debra Jean Kelley (Wilson). James and Debra were married in 1964 and welcomed their first child the same year. In 1965, after completion of their military service James and Debra moved back to Reseda, CA. where James landed a position with a local hospital as an X-Ray technician. James later secured a position at Brea Community Hospital as Director of Imaging where he worked until his retirement in 2000.

James, his wife Debra and now four children moved to Riverside, CA. in 1976 and later Pedley, CA. in 1979. It was here that James and his wife supported their children’s interest in 4- H and FFA. It was a full family participation raising livestock for market and local fairs and caring for the family animals. James would later recall that this time with family where among his fondest memories.

James was introduced to the outdoors at an early age and it became one of his many passions. James pursued this passion through hunting and fishing in California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Wyoming, Costa Rica and Canada. James later passed down his passion for the outdoors to his four children and grandchildren.

 James’s wife passed away in January 1996, and he later moved to Moreno Valley, Ca. James kept himself busy through golf, bowling, hunting, fishing and supporting his grandchildren’s sporting events. In 2021, James moved to Eastern Tennessee where he lived until his passing.

James was preceded in death by his wife Debra Jean (Kelley) Wilson and Brother Robert Wilson.

 James is survived by his brother, Richard V. Wilson Jr (Jackie) of Whispering Pines, North Carolina., Daughter Mary E. Simon (Paul) of Norco, California. Sons, James F. Wilson II (Tonya) of Murrieta, California, William C. Wilson (Stacy) of Morristown, Tennessee, and John C. Wilson (Deirdre) of Amherst Massachusetts. His grandchildren are Thomas Simon, Brittany Wilson, Cade Simon, Morgan Wilson, Alexander Wilson, Zachary Wilson, Brock Wilson and L.C. Wilson and great granddaughters Sydney Simon and granddaughter (yet to be named) on the way.

James will be remembered by his family and friends as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.