James W. Wilson

Born April 13, 1943, in Lake Placid, Jim was the eighth of nine children born to the late Arthur and Mary (McDonough) Wilson.

Jim attended Lake Placid High School and graduated with the Class of 1962. He served his country as a gunner’s mate, third class in the United States Navy from 1963-1966. Jim was awarded a citation for bravery in saving the life of a fellow sailor by jumping in to save him when he accidentally fell overboard.

On April 22, 1967 he married his beloved wife Judy Coole Wilson. They were married for 17 years before she passed away on Jan. 2, 1984.

Jim had a gregarious personality, a big heart and loved spending time with his family and friends of whom there are many. He took tremendous pride in his grandson Dant Harris, who he helped to raise. Dant meant the world to Jim from the moment he was born.

Besides his parents and wife, Jim was predeceased by his brothers and sisters, Jan Interlicchia, Phil Wilson, Marlene Wilson, Shirley Hardy, Don Wilson, and Ray Wilson.

Survivors include his two children: Lisa (Wilson) Dixon and Colin Wilson, both of Schenectady; his grandson, Dant Harris of Lilburn, Ga; his brother, Robert of Lake Placid; his brother Thomas and wife Pat of Hayesville, N.C.; his sister-in-law Janice Wilson of Lake Placid; his brother-in-law Richard Coole of Scotia; his sister-in-law Donna Donholt of Schenectady; and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18 at Bekkering Ellis Funeral Home, 1 Mohawk Avenue, Scotia. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place after the service at Schenectady Memorial Park, Giffords Church Road.

Jim’s family wishes to thank the outstanding doctors, nurses and staff at Ellis Hospital for their compassion and care.