Reverend James O. Wilson

Reverend James O. Wilson, lovingly known as “Pastor Jim,” was called home to Heaven on May 7, 2012, at the Toledo Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 5, 1929, the parents who raised him were his Aunt and Uncle, Betty and Paul Wilson, in Toledo, Ohio. On June 18, 1949, he married Dorothy Lykins, and so began their 63-year adventure together. While Pastor Jim had a great love for his wife, his first love was witnessing to others about Jesus, and his life reflected that. He attended Moody Bible Institute (Class of 1954) and then began ministering in the business world as the Lord prepared him for church ministry. His experiences increased his effectiveness and helped him relate to other businessmen in his community. In 1974, Pastor Jim was called to church ministry, and he began pastoring at Trinity Bible Church in Edgerton, Ohio. This church was the love of his life for 28 years, until he retired in November of 2002. During his life in Edgerton, he served as President of the Edgerton Ministerial Association and the Edgerton Lions Club. He also belonged to the Rotary Club. Pastor Jim loved witnessing to the men of the community, whether it was at the church or at the round table at Bob’s Dairy Bar. In fact, he witnessed wherever he went throughout his life, regardless of the circumstance. His favorite questions to initiate conversation were “How do I get to heaven?” and “Where do you go to church?” He was a model of a witness to his family even in his last weeks, asking every nurse and even chaplains these questions whenever he could. He never ceased looking for an opportunity to witness about the love of Jesus. Pastor Jim was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Jerold Milks, and his brothers, Robert, Howard, Ronny, Bill, Jack, Lavon, and Bud, one sister, Etta Belle “Billie” Winzler, and his dachshund Rusty. He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy, his children, James P. (Jacquelynn) Wilson and Linda Milks, and his siblings, Mary, Jerry, and Phyllis. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jamithy (Aaron) Sawade, Kristina (Jason) Pfaff, Korinne (Jeff) King, Elisha Milks, Amanda Foeller, Abigail Wilson, and Josh Quarfoot, and 11 great-grandchildren. Visitation for Pastor Jim will be held from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 12, 2012, at Trinity Bible Church, 125 East Lynn Street, Edgerton, Ohio. Services will follow at 1:00 P.M. in the Trinity Bible Church with Reverend Dan Ellis officiating. Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Edgerton. There will be a memorial service at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 19, 2012, at Heritage Baptist Church, 5542 Lewis Avenue, Toledo, Ohio, with Reverend Jeff Ellis officiating. Memorials are requested to Heritage Baptist Church, Toledo, Ohio.