James Channing "Chan" Wilson Sr.

James Channing “Chan” Wilson Sr., age 83, of Trent Woods, North Carolina passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2022, surrounded by his loving family who marveled at his courage to carry on after many battles with multiple medical issues the past several months and multiple hospital stays.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 35 years, Alice Wilson; his son James “Channing” Wilson Jr of Brooklyn NY and his daughter Sarah Ann Wilson of the home and Wilmington NC.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Pickard, and Sarah Burton Wilson of Edenton NC; his half-brother Marvin P Wilson Jr. and half-sister Margarett “Peggy” Baxter all of whom he adored.

Graduating from Edenton High School in 1956 he enlisted in the Army after the death of his father and served honorably as a radio operator from 1960 – 1966 last stationed in Durheim Germany. While serving he fell in love with the sport of boxing which he participated in often while enlisted.

He graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1966 with a degree in Radio Television and Motion Pictures which would lead him to produce and star in a children’s show at WGHP in High Point, later returning to school to receive a teaching certificate and teaching 5th grade at North Duplin Elementary School for several years where he became involved with NEA and won several teaching awards. He would hold several other jobs in his life, but none held his heart like teaching.

He loved his family, animals, reading, bad puns, trying to get the words right to most songs he sang, good food and the Tarheels.

A Graveside Service will be held at New Bern Memorial on Monday, January 31, 2022 at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Chan's honor to Friends of the New Bern-Craven County Public Library.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of James Channing “Chan” Wilson Sr.