Indianapolis - James Robert Wilson, Sr., 74, passed away unexpectedly Friday, October 23, 2020. He was born May 16, 1946 in Nashville, TN to the late Everett and Ora Wilson. James was a good man who took care of his family. He was a hard worker who retired from Indiana Veneer. He loved to kid around and tell jokes. He was a gambler of sorts who enjoyed dice, cards and the lottery. He gambled so much that he would bet you he was a gambler.

James loved a good meal, good music and good times. He lived on the west side of Indy, but always found his way back to Fountain Square to visit and spend time with his brother, Jerry. They were two peas in a pod, almost identical. He never went on vacation. He said, “I’ve been everywhere, done seen it all. I’ll just stay home with my dog, Harley.” He loved that dog. He enjoyed the simple things in life like spending time at home.

James attended Fellowship Baptist Church regularly. That is where he met Brother Gary Pitcock and they became good friends. He became a believer and a man of God. He was a storyteller. He made up stories about anything, from Grandma being a witch and flying up the chimney, to how he invented the first car, to how he saved the world when he was in the army. He did save the world in a way, because he was the cook feeding all the soldiers.

James was a friend to many and a stranger to none. At 74, he was still a kid at heart. He revealed almost every moment of his life, from childhood to adulthood, in the stories he told. The story you are reading now is his story, written over the years of a lifetime. He wouldn’t want it to be a thick book, so that is why it is coming to a close shortly. Remember short stories are just as good.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Everett Odell Wilson and Ora Lee Wilson; first wife, Myrtle Frances Wilson; second wife, Janet Faye Wilson; and brothers: Lewis, Keith and Jerry Wilson. He is survived by his daughters, Tina and her husband, Jeff and Tammy and her husband, Eric; sons, James, Jr. and his wife, Sissy and Chris; sisters: Louise, Marie and Barbara; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many other loving family members and dear friends.

James' family will receive friends Saturday, October 31, 2020, from 11 am - 1 pm at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 925 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227. A celebration of his life will follow at 1 pm at the funeral home.

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