Obituary of James Wilson

James R. “Jim” Wilson

November 20, 1935 – September 10, 2023

Boise, ID - Jim Wilson, 87, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2023, surrounded by his family’s love. Jim was born in Nampa, ID to Vern and Emma Wilson. His parents were living in Nyssa, OR and had gone to visit Emma’s sister in Nampa where Jim decided to arrive prematurely. Jim was born at his aunt’s home where he spent his first days using the oven as an incubator.

The family lived in Nyssa and Vale while Jim was in grade school and later moved to McCall where he attended the Lardo School, a single-room schoolhouse for all eight grades. Jim started high school at McCall until the family moved to Ontario, OR at Christmas time. He graduated from Ontario High School in 1954. Jim worked summers in McCall throughout high school and met the love of his life Gerry Wells in the summer of 1953. They dated through Gerry’s high school years and were married July 4, 1957.

Jim began working for U.S. National Bank in Burns, OR and was transferred to Tillamook, OR shortly thereafter. Jim and Gerry loved their time living by the ocean and would make many trips back to the Oregon coast. In 1958, they moved back to Payette, ID where Jim began working for New York Life. Their daughter Julie arrived in 1959 and son Jess in 1961.

The family moved to Boise in 1970 as Jim’s career in insurance sales progressed. Jim was a born salesman and never knew a stranger. He would continue in the insurance industry until his retirement in 2002.

Jim always loved cars and became interested in racing sports cars, first in Ontario then in Boise. He and Gerry joined the Southwest Idaho Sport Car Club and together became very active in car racing and hill climbing. They attended races all over the Northwest and made many lifelong friendships. They attended several national competitions and would continue racing until 2003.

Upon retirement, they sold their home in Boise and became snowbirds, traveling in their motorhome during the winter months and summering at their place in McCall. They made many friends in their travels and after selling their motorhome continued to winter in Arizona until 2022.

Jim was an avid Boise State football fan. It was rare to see him without his BSU hat. He enjoyed attending games and tailgating with family and friends for many years.

Jim is survived by his wife Gerry, daughter Julie (Brian) Edgar, son Jess (Karleen) Wilson; grandchildren Blair (Scott) Garrison, Jerred (Crystal) Edgar, Patrick Wilson (Mysti Sturtevant) Samantha (David) Moniz, Hailey (Reece) Landa; great grandchildren Madalyn, Hayden, and Taylor Garrison, Alexander Levinski, Dylan Pridgen Carr, Dylan and Annabelle Edgar, Swithan Sturtevant, Padraig Wilson, and Luka Moniz. Sister-in-law, Susan Mather and brothers-in-law Bob Mather and Dan Harlan.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life on Sunday, October 1, 2023, from 2:30 – 5:30pm at Meridian Senior Center 1920 N. Records Way, Meridian, ID. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.