James "Jim" Wilson

James O. Wilson, 88, passed away Sunday January 16, 2022.

Jim was born October 10, 1933 in Des Moines, Iowa to Caleb and Grace Wilson. He was a lifelong Des Moines resident. Jim was retired from Labor Local 177.

Jim had a variety of interests. He worked with his hands! He carved several pieces, most proud of the revolver that won a ribbon at the State fair. He did some oil paintings. He built a grandfather clock. He remodeled his house and bricked the exterior and made a beautiful fireplace, bricking the whole wall.

He collected many, many old toy boats, planes, race cars and many other treasures. He would repair and tinker with these for hours. His prize possession was his limelight green, 1970 Plymouth Superbird Road Runner aka “The Bird”. He enjoyed many car shows, evenings at Porky’s and the Mopar Club back in the day.

He was a boxing fan and racing fan. He spent many Friday nights at the Iowa State Fairgrounds Speedway and visited Knoxville Speedway and the museum there. Also visited other tracks like Rockingham and Indianapolis.

Jim was a story teller! He had a sharp memory and very detailed. He told stories about his life’s journey every day. Along with a few corny jokes or one-liners. He had a good sense of humor.

Throughout it all, he loved his family. He and Gladys were married 62 years. Christmas was a big deal at the Wilson household – he enjoyed the mass confusion. Of late, he enjoyed meeting the newest little ones in the family – Lilly 5, Jenna 18 months and Stellan 4 months.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Gladys, his daughter Kathy (Phil) Ladd, sons Jim (Lynn) Wilson and Tom Wilson. Grandchildren, Kelley (Paul) Bennett, Phylana Ladd, Brittain (Torye) Ladd, Jackie Ladd, Amanda (Stephen) Sengbusch, Andrea (Brent) Ott, Shauna (Jacob) Wilson-Evans. Great-Grandchildren, Michael (Emma) Hulbert, Makayla Hulbert, Tosca Ladd, Brittain U Ladd, Hunter Ott, Stellan Sengbusch and Lilly Evans. Great, great grandchildren: Jenna Lynn Hulbert.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Nora Linn Foster and his parents; brothers, Alfred (Leota), Caleb (Shirley), William (Shirley) and Robert Wilson; and his sisters Oralmay and Mary Wilson. He was the last to go of his generation.

The family will greet friends Thursday, January 27, 2022 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm with the funeral service to follow at 2:30 pm at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. Jim will be laid to rest at North River Cemetery in Norwalk, Iowa.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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