Jimmy “Jim” Lee Wilson

Jim was born in Belleville, IL, on March 23, 1939. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry Hasicell Wilson & Carm Lee Cotton; sister Judith Ann Stancil (Wilson); sisters-in-law, Kathleen Susan Dietsche & Judith Ann Dietsche; brother-in-law, Robert Allen Dietsche; and his beloved Doberman, Princess Cleopatra Juliet (Cleo).

He was a devoted husband to Geri. They believed they were soulmates, and they completed each other. They both had the knack to know what the other was thinking and say it out loud.

He was a loving father to his children, Michelle (Dave) Muehlius, Michael (Jenni) Wilson, and stepsons, Richard (Nikole) Schmitz, Sean (Holly) Schmitz, and Chad (Amy) Schmitz. He went beyond being the stepdad and instead became the dad who stepped up. Jim loved his 12 grandchildren: Andrew (Vanessa) Kuptz, Donovan (Maria) Kuptz, Samantha (Joseph) Neuberger, Jacob (Arianna) Muehlius, Truett Wilson, Elora Wilson, Sammantha Schmitz, Rebekah Schmitz, Bailey Schmitz, Lily Schmitz, Harper Schmitz, and Emilia Schmitz. He was a proud dad to six “German daughters”, Bella, Leonie, Paula, Xenia, Ayleen, and Mia, and enjoyed hearing about their lives after they returned home. He and Geri visited the “girls” and their families in Germany over Christmas & New Year’s, 2023-24. Jim also leaves behind his brother-in-law, Rick Dietsche; his special niece, Robin; nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was also known as Sweetie, Gentleman Jim, Dad, Popa Jim, Grandpa, Gramps, Jimbo, Earl, Mashed Potato Man, and Friend.

Jim was very devoted to God. He volunteered as a Trustee, Elder, and Usher. He offered his time to his church whenever he could. He occasionally helped with God’s Clothes Closet, Community breakfasts, and dinners. He loved interacting with the children at Vacation Bible School and the Children’s Christmas Program, decorating the church for Christmas and Easter, attending Bible Study, and participating in fellowships following church service and occasional potlucks. His bond to his Savior Jesus Christ was strong, and he was prepared to be called home.

He served in the Navy as a Radio Mechanic from 1956-1961. He was honorably discharged after his service on the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CVA-61).

Jim worked for 30+ years as a machinist at Wisconsin Centrifugal-Metal Tek. He retired as a 2nd shift leadman. Jim and Geri met at work and he secretly declared, “he was going to marry that girl.” They were married on June 24, 2000.

Jim enjoyed life, especially when he was outdoors in the sunshine. Fishing on his boat, canoeing, kayaking, camping, and bike riding were some of his passions. He enjoyed sharing these activities with his family and friends every chance he could. Working in his gardens and tending to his lawn was another joy for him. He was proud of the vegetables and carefully tended his flower gardens. Roses and hibiscus were two of his favorite flowers. He remarked often, “If you want to get closer to God, dig a hole and plant something.” He also enjoyed woodworking and entered several pieces into the local county fair, winning several blue ribbons and achieving best of show.

He enjoyed playing fetch with his adored dogs Cleo and Ilsa. He was “Daddy” to them and earned the title of “designated treat giver” for all the pets in the household. Sitting quietly on the patio and watching the wildlife in the backyard with them was one of his favorite pastimes, along with feeding the birds. His favorites were hummingbirds and bluebirds. The squirrels routinely challenged him when they raided the squirrel-proof feeder.

Jim enjoyed the visits with his doctors and nurses during appointments. He was interested in their lives outside of work and was always grateful for the care they gave him.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Christ Lutheran Church (475 North Avenue West, Brooksville FL 34601), with Pastor Paul Meseke officiating. Fellowship will follow service.

Instead of floral arrangements, if you prefer, live plants or bulbs would be welcome for Jim’s gardens.

Donations could also be made to Jim’s favorite causes and churches:

Dobie Ranch Rescue of Crystal River, http://dobieranchrescue.com/

Caring K9’s https://caringk9s.org/

Tunnel to Towers t2t.org

St Peter’s Lutheran Church, 210 W Beech St, Muscoda, WI 53573

Christ Lutheran Church, 475 North Avenue West, Brooksville, FL 34601