James Thomas Wilson

James was unapologetically himself, funny, strong, loyal and a hard worker. He loved his family dearly and the DeWitt Community.

James was born in Lansing, Michigan, on May 13, 1948, to parents, James and Zora Wilson. He graduated from Everett High in 1966. He married the love of his life, Kathleen, December 23, 1966, at St. Casimir Catholic Church before leaving for Vietnam in 1966, proudly serving his country in the United States Army until 1968. James was a squad leader and received the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Star.

James worked numerous jobs and had 3 children while living in Lansing. He graduated from both Lansing Community College with an associate’s degree in business law enforcement and from the 26th Mid-Michigan Police Academy in 1979.

James joined the DeWitt City Police Department in March of 1979 as a patrol officer, which brought them to the town to raise their family and was welcomed to the community. During James’ service to the DeWitt community as a Crime Prevention Officer, he started the Lake Geneva Neighborhood Watch and established the Officer Friendly program, creating safety awareness in DeWitt Schools. He received numerous awards for outstanding performance with the police department from 1980 to 1994 before retiring as Sargent in 2003. He then worked for the Clinton County Sheriffs Dept. retiring as bailiff in 2011.

He was a faithful parishioner of St. Jude Catholic Church and a member of several organizations: DeWitt City Fire & Rescue Department, Disabled War Veterans Organization, Vietnam Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Boy Scouts of American Leader, and Knights of Columbus. He was awarded in May 2010 as Knight of the Month as well as winning the DeWitt Ox Roast nomination for Citizen of the Year Award.

James is survived by his wife, Kathleen Wilson; his children, James (Elvira) Wilson, Matthew Wilson, Amy (Erik) Parker; his granddaughter, Gabrielle Parker; and guardian mom Carolyn.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Zora Wilson; his brother Donald Wilson; and guardian Roger Dennison.

A visitation will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes in DeWitt on Monday, April 13th, from 2 PM to 4 PM, with another visitation taking place from 6 PM to 8 PM, and a rosary at 7 PM. A funeral mass will be held at St Jude Catholic Church, 801 N Bridge St, DeWitt, MI 48820, on Tuesday, April 14th at 11 AM, with a one-hour visitation beginning at 10 AM. A committal service will occur following mass at DeWitt City Cemetery, 780 N Bridge St, DeWitt, MI 48820.

Anyone who wishes to make donations may make them to the family.