James Wilson

James Franklin Wilson

August 11, 1933 - July 12, 2018

He has run his race, fought the good fight, and finished his course.  He is now in the arms of his Heavenly Father in his eternal home.

James Franklin Wilson was born on August 11, 1933, in Salida, CO, to Harold and Gladys Lee Wilson.  His family moved to Grand Junction in 1935.  Jim graduated from Central High School in 1951, and entered the U.S. Navy that fall.  He served in Japan and Korea until 1955, aboard the U.S.S. Repose.

Jim enrolled at Mesa Junior College in 1955, where he met Catherine Lavonne Martin.  They were married in 1956.  He graduated from Colorado Teachers College and obtained a Master of Science Degree at University of Utah.  Further studies were at Western State College, University of Oregon, Oregon State, and University of California-Davis.  He taught and coached all sports for over 30 years (baseball being his favorite), mostly in Dallas Oregon.  He taught chemistry, biology, science, math and P.E.  Jim's favorite position was Principal for five years at New Horizon Christian School which he helped establish.

He loved God, his family, his country, teaching Bible studies, baseball, reading, and nature.  He was a man of great character, and a lifelong coach, student and teacher.  He had a great sense of humor and loved life.  He listened well, and gave wise counsel.  He was a man admired by many.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Lavonne; children, Valorie Wilson, Marcelle(Jeff) Carron, Mark (Joani) Wilson; grandchildren, Josh (Shelly), Brooks, Chad (Jillian), and Jennifer Wilson; great-grandchildren, Sierra and Tyrell Kitson, Hunter Baier-Hotz, and Noah James Wilson; brother, Stephen (Missy) Wilson, and sister, Lisa (Gordon) Fry and their families; brothers-in-law, Don, Lee, and Bill Martin and their families.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; brother, David Lee Wilson; great-grandson, Logan Kitson; and by his two best friends, Pastor Dennis West and his childhood friend, Dennis Scott.

Services to be held at New Horizon's Foursquare Church, 641 Horizon Drive, on Thursday, July 19, at 10:00 a.m.  A private burial at the Veteran's Cemetery will be held.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Life Academy, 636 29 Road, Grand Junction, CO  81504