James E. Wilson, age 87, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Wednesday morning, October 10, 2018, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

   He was born October 13, 1930, in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Edward Earl and Patricia Fern (Mathews) Wilson.  He married Connie Reynolds July 23, 1961, at the Chanute Air Force Base chapel in Rantoul, Illinois,  and together they have shared 57 years of marriage.

   Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17, and his 9 years of service included perilous campaigns on a destroyer during the Korean War.  He transferred into the U.S. Air Force working as a skilled flight mechanic, deploying for 5 tours of duty during Vietnam, and retiring as a Master Sergeant in 1974.  After retiring to Little Rock, Arkansas, he and Connie eventually moved to Flora, where he worked for a time driving shuttles for McDaniel Transit and managing local rental properties.  He and Connie enjoyed taking their camper on countless trips and getaways, and spending lots of time fishing and making memories with their grandkids and great-grandkids.  Jim was a faithful member of the Transformation Church of God in Clay City, where he acted in the role of deacon, and he was a frequent visitor at McDonald’s for morning coffee. 

   He is survived by his wife: Connie Lee Wilson of Flora, 2 sons: James D. Wilson (Holly Camp) of Jacksonville, Arkansas, and Jonathon E. (Cindy) Wilson of Flora; grandchildren: Michael Wilson, Matthew Wilson, Andrew Wilson, YN S2 (SS/SCW) Spencer A. (Samantha) Kellison, Jordan Kellison (Alisha Corry), Tristen Wilson (Kristan Olden), Evan Kellison (Tia Prater), Dakota Wilson, Maleah Wilson, and Jaide Wilson; great-grandchildren: Grayson Kellison, Hayden Kellison, Korah Kellison, Arianna Kellison, Tyler Kellison, and one great-granddaughter on the way.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Bill Wilson and Bob Wilson; and a granddaughter: Chasity Wilson.

   A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Monday, October 15, 2018 at Transformation Church of God in Clay City.  Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery with military honors.  Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Memorials are suggested to Transformation Church of God and will be accepted through the funeral home.