James Paul Wilson “Jim”, age 74, of Ocala, Florida, passed away on August 21, 2024. He was born on August 20, 1950, in East Orange, New Jersey, a son of Raymond Vail Wilson and Loretta Eleanor (Guerin) Wilson.
He grew up with his brothers and cousins in Newton, New Jersey. During his Senior year in high school, he lost his father just two days after Christmas. He was very depressed, and decided to quit school. However, he credited his cousin and good friend, Ed Wilson, with encouraging him to finish his Senior year, and graduated from Newton High in 1969. Two years later, he was married, and started a family. In February 1981, he moved to Marion County, FL. He worked throughout his years as a Housekeeper in various nursing homes, and then as Service Manager of Housekeeping at Chambrel at Pinecastle, up until his retirement.
During his spare time, and after retirement, he enjoyed watching television. He loved football (especially, the Florida Gators). Occasionally, he would enjoy a trip to the beach with his family. He was a meat, potato, and vegetable kind of guy, and was not one to eat casseroles, or any type of fancy dessert. Apple Pie is what he loved! If we were at Sonny’s BBQ, he would always order his favorite, Brunswick Stew. At Olive Garden, it was Spaghetti and Meatballs. Some of his favorite snacks included Lay’s Salt & Vinegar Chips, Fig Newtons, Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets, and Neopolitan Ice Cream.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother; sister, Mildred Ann Wilson; brothers, William Powell Wilson and Raymond Walter Wilson.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory: cousin, Ed Wilson; daughter, Cyndi (Bill) Monti; sons, David Wilson, Chris (Ashley) Wilson, and Jason (Tiffany) Wilson; and seven grandchildren: Brianna, Joshua, David, Nathan, Jaden, Skylar, and Harper.
A Viewing is scheduled for Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. The Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Central Baptist Church, located at 1714 S.E. 36th Avenue in Ocala.