James Wilson

James Woodrow Wilson, 95, passed away at his Jackson home Wednesday, July 6, 2011.

He was born June 26, 1916, in Burfordville, to Frank Harvey and Bessie Myrtle Hutson Wilson. He and Glenda C. Estes were married Dec. 24, 1931. To this union were born two children, Karen W. Dodson and James B. Wilson.

From 1943 to 1946 Jim served in the Army during World War II. He served in the South Pacific and received a Bronze Star.

After the war Jim returned to Cape Girardeau and with his wife Glenda established Jim Wilson Co., a wholesale auto parts and tire business. Soon after, his brother Jack joined the company.

He also founded the Homestead Farm Stores of Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee and Arkansas. Jim was an excellent businessman.

He and Rosie Cash Hindman were married Dec. 31, 1971.

After retirement he lived in Kentucky, Tennessee and Florida before moving back to Jackson permanently in 2008. Jim was an avid fisherman at Kentucky Lake and Florida waters. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting. His favorite pastime was a game of golf with his friends.

Jim had such a zest for life and never met a stranger. He always had the gift to make people laugh and loved telling a good joke. He was a member of Cape County Cowboy Church.

Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Rosie Wilson; a son, James Bradley (Nancy) Wilson; a daughter, Dr. Karen W. (Maury) Dodson; a stepson, Kim Hindman; a sister, Katie Wilson Schwab; seven grandchildren, Tracey D. (Kent) Buchanan, Dr. James M. (Mary Ann) Dodson, Anne C. Wilson, Mary W. (J. Stephen) Pautler, Dr. James B. (Nicole) Wilson Jr., Chet (Erica) Hindman and Jake (Trina) Hindman.

Also 16 great-grandchildren, Ben (Amy) Buchanan, Brent Buchanan, Hannah Dodson, Madison Phillips, Charles B. Phillips, Madeline Pautler, Caitlin Pautler, Sophia Pautler, John W. "Jack" Pautler, Brooke Wilson, Ashton Wilson, Ethan Wilson, Grant Hindman, Morgan Hindman, Hailey Hindman and Lacey Hindman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, John, Jack and Kirk Wilson; a grandchild, Mary Elizabeth Dodson; and a great-grandchild, Jed Hindman.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the chapel, with the Revs. David Schaffner and Jim Matthews officiating. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson, with full military honors by Missouri Honors Team.

Pallbearers will be James Bradley Wilson, Maury Dodson, Kim Hindman, Dr. James B. Wilson Jr., Dr. James M. Dodson, Chet and Jake Hindman.

Memorial contributions may be given to Ronald McDonald House or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.