Jimmy Dale Wilson

Kingsley, MI - Jimmy Dale Wilson, 84, passed away on Dec. 15, 2019 at Munson Medical Center. Jim was born on Oct 15, 1935 at the family farmhouse in Kingsley to Ivan C. Wilson and Bessie G. (Voice) Wilson.

Jim graduated from Kingsley High School in 1954. He began his career as a bag boy at Oleson’s Grocery on Front St. in Traverse City which sparked a 30-year career in the grocery industry. Jim’s first love was farming, which continued to be his passion for his entire life. He left the grocery business to pursue farming full time and carry on his family’s stewardship of the land. Jim became a full time cow/calf and cash crop farmer. He was a true John Deere tractor enthusiast. He was a member of the Michigan Cattleman’s Association, and he also served on the board of the Grand Traverse County Soil Conservation District.

Jim was an avid fan of the Kingsley Stags, MSU Spartan’s (especially basketball), and the Detroit Lions. In his leisure time he enjoyed his family, rose garden, hunting and attending local car shows with his restored 1972 and 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix’s.

Jim is survived by his wife of 31 years, Cheryl (Parker) Wilson. His daughters Charlene (Denis) Opolski, Lynn Wilson (Kathy Hueffman), Melissa Wilson (Jesse Salisbury), Heather Sizemore and Amy (Chad) Raschi. Grandchildren Tyler Bradley, Abigail Beeman, Dustin Bradley, Hannah Raschi, TJ and Tate Sizemore. Sisters Muriel Avery, Jacqueline Fredenburg, Nancy Wilson, Sandra (Ken) Sleder, Diane (Jim) Cowley, Gloria (Denny) Burke, Jennifer (Wayne) Simmons, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Duane Wilson, sister Denise Wilson, brother-in-law Nahum Avery, as well as son-in-law Terry Sizemore.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, Dec. 18th from 6-8pm at Covell Funeral Home, 200 N. Brownson Ave, Kingsley MI 49649. The funeral service will be on Thursday, Dec. 19th at 1pm with visitation one hour before the service. Burial will be at the Evergreen Cemetery in Kingsley at a later date.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Webber Heart Center in Munson Medical Center for their excellent care of Jim. A special thank you to Dr. Jon Beattie for his care of Jim over the years. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Jim’s name be made to the American Heart Association or charity of their choice.