James Edward Wilson was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a gentle “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Jim always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Jim was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.
Jim was born on August 2, 1947 at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado. His parents were Edward James Wilson and Marion Elaine Peep Wilson Hall. Jim was raised in Mineral Wells, TX; Grand Junction, Colorado; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Pasadena,Texas and Portland, Oregon. Always able to express himself well, Jim possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Jim was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.
Blessed with a balanced attitude, Jim was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Jim was raised with one sister. He had one older sister, Maryanne Bancroft and one brother-in-law, Don Bancroft. Jim had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.
Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Jim was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He graduated from Centennial High School in 1965. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.
When the goal of college was in sight, it became important to Jim. Again, his direct, “down to earth” approach served him well. He was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked. He earned his Associates of Science in Business from Mt. Hood Community College. Jim was the Legislative Vice President for Mt. Hood Community College and wrote all the Club charters that are still in use today.
Friends and acquaintances found Jim an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Jim was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were Craig Gavin, Clair Clopton, Kirk Engdall and Tom Shaw. Later in life, he became friends and brothers with Dan Bauer.
Jim married his high school sweetheart Carolyn Leigh Hagoes in 1969 and together they raised three children. Jim was a very hands on parent and was dedicated to nurturing a close relationship with his children.
Jim was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Jim’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Jim was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Jim could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was Manager/Broker - Food Services. He was employed for almost 20 years by Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor; then moved on to Sidco Industries, Yaw's Restaraunt, Portland Wholesale Grocery (Sysco), and finished his career at Morton and Associates. He also worked for Kelly-Clarke and Summit Brokerage, both of Portland, Oregon just before his final position at Morton and Associates in Tualatin, Oregon.
On February 14, 2005 Jim exchanged wedding vows with the love of his life, Cecelia Davis at the Cherry Park Presbyterian Church of Troutdale, Oregon. Jim was attentive to Cece's feelings, and he charmed Cece and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Jim was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.
Very much like a kid himself, Jim identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. As Jim described his children after his marriage to Cece, "And then there were six!" Jim was blessed with Six children, Jennifer Leigh Wilson, Matthew James Wilson, Angelina Louise Wilson, Thomas Joseph Kemp, Tina Marie Kemp and Tiffany Hansine Davis.
One of Jim's life blessings was being a Foster Parent to his three Grand children, Chyanne, Tabitha and Rhionna until their adoption by Jennifer.
Jim enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were wood working, interior decorating, traveling and watching TV! He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.
Jim was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made him a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which he belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Jim worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. In college, Jim was active in the Student Government. Throughout his later years, Jim was an active member of the Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, Al Kader Shrine, Order of the Amaranth, Order of Eastern Star and was a Past Associate Grand Guardian for Jobs Daughters International.
Jim held close traditional values and as a result, faith was important to him. He was a member of St. Therese Catholic Church and a member of Cherry Park Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the St. Therese Folk Group and also sang in the Cherry Park Choir.
Jim’s natural leadership qualities placed him in consideration for public recognition, earning him accolades for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included the Grand Master's Masonic Youth Award, "Papa of the Year", "World's Best Dad" and "King of the Remote".
Travel and vacations were experiences that Jim truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included a honeymoon to Hawaii, vacations to Victoria BC, Boston, NY, Washington DC, Virginia, Colorado, Florida, Salt Lake City, Utah and multiple trips to Disneyland!
Jim was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Jim’s favorites was Paprika, a Calico Cat.
When Jim’s retirement finally came in 2005, he was well prepared. He used logical analysis of his retirement options in order to ensure his retirement would be fulfilling. Still, he was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed.
Jim passed away on 12/2/2013 at 00:59am at Kaiser Westside Medical Center in Hillsboro, Oregon of Diabetes related health issues. He was pre-deceased by his Mother Marion Elaine Peep Wilson Hall, his Father Edward James Wilson and his Son Thomas Joseph Kemp. He is survived by his wife Cecelia Wilson; his children Jennifer Wilson, Matthew Wilson(Cindy), Angelina Wilson (Susan), Tina Kemp (Ryan) and Tiffany Davis; his grandchildren Nathaniel, Miranda Jean, Chyanne, Tabitha and Rhionna and his sister Maryanne Bancroft (Don). Services will be held at Lincoln Memorial Chapel and St. Therese Catholic Church. Jim will be laid to rest in Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.
Jim was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Jim had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “I've Had the Time of my Life.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember James Edward Wilson.
Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Jim Wilson to American Diabetes Association and/or Shriner's Hospitals for Children.
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