James Lewis Wilson, born April 26, 1929 in Watonga, Okla. to Everett and Ethyl (Deatherage) Wilson, passed away May 17, 2014 while at his home in Oklahoma City.

Jim was proceeded in death by his father and mother; two brothers, Everett Jr. and Stacy Wilson; one sister, Nadine Stanford; and one daughter, Tina Ann Wilson.

Jim is survived by his wife, Wanda Joyce (Wigington); two daughters, Deborah and James Bennett of Couer d’Alene, Idaho; Vicki Wilson of Snoqualmie, Wash; three sons, Mark and Sylvia Wilson of Renton, Wash., Scott and Sharon Wilson of Camarillo, Calif. and Rob and Tammy Wilson of Lamar, Mo.; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Jim grew up in Watonga during the Great Depression and then served in the U.S. Navy before marrying “Jo” Wigington on Sept. 2, 1948. They eventually settled in southern California and raised their five children. Jim always worked several jobs to provide for his family, eventually opening up Wilson’s Showcase and Fixture Company while working at Certified Grocers (Jim worked his way up the company ladder to finally retire as senior purchasing agent).

He loved golf and playing “pitch” with his family and friends. After his fall on an icy driveway that left him impaired he became an avid model ship and airplane builder. His other favorite past time was betting on NFL games with his nephew David Wigington, with the prize of a great dinner going to the winner after the Super Bowl. Jim was well read, knowledgeable on many topics and had an outspoken opinion on everything. He always was for the underdog and was generous to those that were looking for a hand-up and not a hand-out. He deeply loves his family and cannot wait for them to follow him into the presence of Jesus.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, at the First Baptist Church of Watonga, with interment to follow at Watonga Cemetery, Watonga, Okla. Online condolences may be made to www.mcneilsmustangfs.com