James “Jimmy” Lloyd Wilson, 79, passed away on June 20, 2024, at his home in Lumberton, Mississippi. He previously lived in Columbia, Connecticut for 42 years. Jimmy is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara. His daughter, Lisa Wilson of Guilford, CT., grandchildren, Jordan, Lilly, Sophie and Jake Hedge, all of Guilford, CT. He is also survived by his brother, William Donald Smith of Lumberton; sisters, Jane Davis of Quitman, Jyl Hemba of Russellville, Arkansas and Elaine Wilson of Dyersburg, Tennessee. Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, Clifton and Monnie Smith and Lloyd Wilson; brothers, Ronald Smith and Larry Wade Smith: and his sister, Janice Lachuga. He also leaves behind Lynn McRanney, Joe Lee, John Oshman and James Neal who were like brothers and Barbara Anderson, who was like a sister.
Jimmy attended Lumberton High School and Pearl River Community College. Upon graduating, he served in the United States Coast Guard at the academy in New London, CT. There he met and married Barbara. He then attended the University of Hartford, Ct., majoring in Materials Engineering. He made his career at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft as an Engineering Technology Manager. While there, he won several awards and was written about in Business Week. Upon retiring, he moved back to Lumberton and built his home.
Jimmy loved his family. There wasn’t a day he didn't tell his wife he loved her. He had a special place in his heart for his daughter. He taught her to be strong, independent and the value of hard work. He was proud of his grandchildren, and always knew what they were involved in. He never missed watching their basketball and football games. He loved and always sought to protect his siblings. He was also known to be the family historian. Anything anyone wanted to know about family he’d know.
Jimmy had varied interests, loved football, hunting with his friends and fly fishing, including building his own rods. Most of all, he loved being and talking with family and friends. Taken too soon, he will be missed by many.
Funeral services, officiated by Reverend Jesse Ladner, will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Little Black Creek Baptist Church. Friends are invited to join the family for visitation from 10:00 am until the service begins. Burial will immediately follow at Little Black Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with Justyn Smith, Chris Smith, Phillip Hemba, Bill Davis, Joel Hemba and Ben Barrett assisting as pallbearers and Joel Brightbill serving as an honorary pallbearer.
