James Marion Wilson was born to Oscar and Justine Wilson, in St. Louis, MO. James was raised in North St. Louis City at Zion Lutheran Church. He went to O’Fallon Technical High School where he started his career as a commercial electrician and was a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local. James entered the US Navy in 1964 after high school and retired from the Naval Reserve in 1994. He was serviced on the USS Tutuila (ARG-4) in Vietnam from March 1966 to October 1967. His sister Naomi introduced him to Colleen and started writing to each other in 1966. They were married at Zion Lutheran Church in Prairie City, MO on January 17, 1970. They lived in North St. Louis City until October of 1975 when they purchased a home in Lafayette Square.
James is proceeded in death by his parents, son Matthew, wife Colleen, sisters Naomi and Janet, and bother Eugene. He is survived by his daughter Rachel (Abe) Pratt, seven grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren. Bother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend to many.
Services: Funeral service at Trinity Lutheran Church, 812 Soulard Street, 63104, on Saturday November 7, 2026 at 10:30am. Interment Private.
Visitation: Friday November 6, 2026 from 4:00-8:00pm at Kutis Funeral Home, City Chapel, 2906 Gravois Ave., 63118
As a shipmate, I wish you fair winds and following seas.
Jim will be missed by many.
A great friend.
May God touch you Rachael and all of your family and give you peace and comfort.
May the warm regards of friends and family, the good memories (like the baked goods he sent us) and joyful times bring peace and comfort to Rachel and family at this difficult time. May James enjoy his new life in Heaven. Until we meet again, love and prayers from the Duckworth family.
Jim it was an honor to have you in my life growing up. The lesson you taught me will stay with me for my life. God bless and rest easy.