James "Jim" Wesley Wilson

James Wesley "Jim" Wilson, 74, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025, in Whitestown, Indiana. Born on December 2, 1950, in Otwell, Indiana, Jim lived a life marked by compassion, service, and an unwavering belief in the goodness of others.

The son of a Nazarene preacher, Jim was raised in the church and carried his strong Christian faith with him throughout his life. His early years in Indiana shaped his deep appreciation for community and storytelling-traits that would become hallmarks of his personality. He graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 1969 and went on to attend Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois.

Jim dedicated much of his professional life to caring for others. As a licensed practical nurse, he worked in hospitals across Michigan and Tennessee. His skill and dedication helped save countless lives and brought comfort to many during their most vulnerable moments. Later in life, Jim expanded his talents into the world of construction. Alongside his beloved wife Stephanie Cornett Wilson, he became a licensed contractor and co-founded a successful construction and remodeling business. Together they specialized in restoring historical homes-breathing new life into old structures with care and craftsmanship.

Family was central to Jim's life. He is survived by his children: James S. Wilson (Christine) of Elizabethtown, Kentucky; Julie A. Wood of Advance, Indiana; and James W. Wilson Jr. (Wenjie) of New Jersey. He also leaves behind two cherished grandchildren: Bethany Wilson of Evans, Georgia; and Caleb Wilson of Elizabethtown, Kentucky; his two brothers, David (Karon Gooding) Wilson of Wallace and Stephen (Cindy) Wilson of Portland, Tennessee; his three sisters, Catherine (Paul) Williams of Cleveland, Ohio, Evangeline (Fouad) Hawa of Evansville, Indiana and Karen (Robert) Hoff of Nashville, Tennessee; his first wife and friend, Jueleen (Peffley) Avery-Priebe; and several nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his devoted wife Stephanie; his parents Roy and Bessie Wilson; his brother Paul Wilson; sisters Doris Crispin and Caroline Wilson; grandson John Horner; and sister-in-law, Ann Wilson.

Those who knew Jim will remember him as a gifted storyteller with an extraordinary memory for detail-especially when it came to recounting tales from his youth or listing every make and model of car he ever owned. He never met a stranger and had an uncanny ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Whether offering a helping hand or sharing a laugh over coffee, Jim's warmth left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

His legacy is one of kindness, generosity, faith, and resilience-a man who believed deeply in the power of human connection and lived each day with purpose. May the memory of James Wesley "Jim" Wilson bring comfort to all who knew him and serve as a reminder of the enduring impact one life can have on so many others.

Visitation will be at Sanders Funeral Care, 203 S 1st Street, in Kingman on Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 10:00am till the time of the funeral service at 11:00am with Pastor Greg McDonald officiating. Burial will follow at Centennial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Hillsboro Church of the Nazarene, 453 South State Road 341, Hillsboro, IN 47949. Share memories and condolences online at www.SandersFuneralCare.com.