James William Wilson

James William Wilson James William Wilson was born on November 19, 1947 in Portland Oregon, to William Wilson and Catherine Mary. “Jim” was the oldest of 2 other siblings, William “Bill” Wilson and Lawrence “Larry Wilson. Jim graduated from Marshall High School of Portland, and continued his education at Portland State University for Business. In his younger years, he was very active in the Catholic Faith. Many times could be seen, riding his bike to the church to perform his duties as an Alter boy.  Once Jim finished school, he enlisted in the Army National Guard.  After his brief service in the military, he became an incredibly successful salesman. Working for major companies like NCR and Muzak, he made a name for himself and quickly climbed the ranks and was well respected in the field. His work had him relocating all over the country.  He was not foreign to winning sales competitions that earned him trips around the world. One memorable one was to Japan. One for adventure, when he had decided he was done with the corporate life, he purchased a building and Bar off of Powell Blvd in Portland, The Thirsty Eye. Jim turned this failing bar into a money making investment. Soon, he bored of this, sold it and moved to Spokane.  Not one to handle the Northwest winters, he decided it was time to retire to Sunny Mexico.  He took up residence in Lake Chapala in a beautiful hacienda.  He enjoyed his time there, golfing and fishing. He was also an active member Lakeside Wildlife Rescue, and when the time came to relocate in 2013 to Casa Grande, Arizona, he donated his beloved Cockatoo “C2” to their organization. Jim was an avid golfer and fisherman, many times retelling the tails of the battles of the fish. Especially Salmon. He was lucky enough (or skilled, if you will) to hit two hole-in- ones! On January 6, 2021, James William Wilson lost his battle with cancer. He passed away in Salem, Oregon with his family by his side. Jim was preceded in death by his father, William Wilson. He is survived by his mother, Kathy Wilson, his children: Shawna Hardin and Jeremy Wilson, his grandchildren: Bryce, Brenna and Brayden Hardin, Alisha- Marie and Ryan Wilson.