James "Bud" Wilson DDS

Born at home in Camden, Texas, to Thomas Earl Wilson Sr. and Thelma-Platt Wilson, on the 27th of September, 1936. Bud grew up in the piney woods of East Texas where he first learned to love the outdoors, hunting and fishing. He attended and graduated from Port Neches Groves High School and was a talented athlete. Bud played center and was a three-year starter for his high school team, the Port Neches Groves Indians, and earned All District Honors as one of the top offensive linemen in the region in 1955. His skill saw him inducted into the Port Neches Groves Highschool football Hall of Honor. Bud received a Full Scholarship to Southern Methodist University (SMU) where he played alongside his friend “Dandy” Don Meredith. Bud later attended Lamar Business College and then the University of Texas Dental School in Houston where he obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1965.

Dr. Wilson established his practice of general dentistry in Bryan, Texas in 1965. With Bud’s warm friendly personality and genuine love of people, especially children, his practice grew rapidly.

James B. Wilson married the love of his life, Dorothy Ferreri, on May 24th, 1974. Together they created a wonderful life of family friends and new adventures. They enjoyed traveling and visited many places in the USA including Alaska and Hawaii. They also made trips to the Bahamas, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand.

Bud loved the outdoors and all kinds of outdoor activities: hunting, fishing, frog gigging and oyster harvesting. Whether in the mountains, the rivers, the lakes or the bays of the Gulf Coast he was always ready to go on adventures. You knew you’d been accepted when he invited you to join him on one of his adventures. No equipment? Don't worry he had several of every item and spools of gray duct tape to fix anything that broke.

James B. Wilson was known as Bud, Buster, Doctor Wilson, Doc, PaPa, Uncle Bud, and Pops. No matter what they called him, those who knew him realized they were truly blessed. Bud was a humble and gentle soul whose warm smile and kind heart made everyone around him feel welcome, valued, and at ease. His patience, generosity, and joyful spirit left a lasting impression on everyone blessed to know him.

Bud enjoyed working with his hands and took pride in everything he did. Whether practicing dentistry, playing dominos, working puzzles, woodworking, tending his garden, serving as Dottie's faithful sous chef, or heading out to fish, he found joy in simple moments and meaningful work. He was especially famous for his fish fries, where family, friends, good food, and plenty of laughter were always guaranteed. He had a gift for bringing people together and making ordinary days feel special. Above all else, Bud cherished his family and friendships. He was the kind of man who could make you laugh, make you feel at home, and would always lend a helping hand.

James B. Wilson is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, “Dottie” Dorothy Ferreri Wilson, his son Mark Wilson and spouse Dee Ann Prince-Lewis, and grandchildren, Renee Atkinson Rogers, and husband Ryan Rogers; Erin Mathison, and husband “Matt” James Mathison; Zach Atkinson; Elissa Wilson and spouse Ethan Russell, and their children, Wyatt and Wesley. He is additionally survived by his sister, Margaret Lenora Bailey, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends, including his beloved dog, Casper who he affectionately referred to as “Caspy”.

Dr. Wilson is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Earl Wilson Sr. and Thelma-Platt Wilson, and siblings, Geraldine Neal, Thomas Earl Wilson Jr., and Wessie Mae Wilson.

Celebration of Life Service for Dr. James B. Wilson will be held in Bryan, Texas at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church on Wednesday 27th, May 2026 at 10am.