Jim Wilson

Jim Wilson died unexpectedly Saturday at is home in Anderson.

Jim was a life-long active member of the community, well-known for his charity and kindness. 

He is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Tina Wilson, sons Greg Wilson and Jeff Wilson, (and was preceded in death by son Brian), daughter-in-laws Deborah Wilson and Karen Wilson, grandchildren Julia Wilson, Luke Wilson, Kaitlin Wilson and Sara Wilson, brother Don Wilson and sister Hilda Wilson. He was also preceded in death by brother Garrison Wilson, John D. Wilson, sister Mary Doris Craig, and parents Guy and Christine Wilson. 

Born in Anderson County, he was owner of Jim Wilson Realty and Construction and Carolina Appraisers, a prolific songwriter, a beloved music minister of a number of Upstate churches over the past 60 years, an active deacon and long-time member of Anderson First Baptist Church. He was also a familiar and friendly face to many home-bound folks in the area, many of whom he visited regularly, often with a home-cooked meal.

Jim previous served as a plant manager for Milliken for more than 20 years. 

A 1957 Clemson University graduate, where he was a trombone player member of the marching band, He also served in active duty as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army and later in the U.S. Army Reserves.

In a Father’s Day tribute published in 2013, Jim’s son Greg Wilson wrote: 

“God put music in my father’s heart. Literally. Since his childhood on the farm where he learned to play piano (initially through a mail order course that he still has some of the intimidating books that made up those lessons), until this very day, his heart beats fastest and best when he is either with his family, his music or both. Many in churches across the area, where he led choirs, sang with groups or alone, and performed his own songs sitting at the piano singing, are the better because they came in contact with him. 

Some of my best memories are of him sitting alone at the piano at home, playing and singing just for the pure joy of it. We should all find such a place of joy in our lives.  

And his love for Jesus, my mother, his kids and their spouses, and his grandchildren flows out like music. It is lyrical, new stanzas always being written, the tune continually being embellished. And all of us were blessed to have so many good years together.“ 

Everyone who knew Jim misses him already. 

A memorial service will be help Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Anderson First Baptist Church.