Obit_Wlison_James
 
Merced Sun Star
June 10, 2008
 
James Florian Wilson was born December 17, 1931, in the small borough of Wissahickon in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended Wissahickon Elementary School and then Roxborough High School where
he graduated in January 1951. While attending high school he played football, baseball, and was on the swim and diving team. 

After graduation he joined the naval reserves and was called to active duty for 2 years.  He then transferred over to the Air Force and proudly served his country for 28 years before retiring. 


He attended Chico State and received a degree in elementary education.  He taught fifth grade at Shaffer Elementary School for 16 years and retired from teaching June 1998. 


During his assignment at Castle Air Base he coached  the Atwater Stingrays for 7 years. His entire family was involved in the swim team and he enjoyed working with the children.  He also was an active member of the Merced Lodge 1240, B.P.O. Elks. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Lillian and James Wilson.  He is survived  by his wife Pat Wilson, his three daughters  Patti Bryan, Romy Cale, and Kim VanBuskirk, and  his 5 grandchildren, Creighton Bryan, Katie Thomas, Shayne Skower, Wes and Madison VanBuskirk. 

Church services will be held at St. Nicholas Anglican Church located at 1635 Shaffer Road in Atwater at 11a.m., Saturday, June 14. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Castle Air Museum  Education Fund.  WWW.Castleairmuseum.Org, 5050 Santa Fe Drive, Atwater, CA   95301.

BACK