James R. Wilson

Fort Edward James R. Wilson, 70, of East Street, passed away Saturday morning Oct. 13, 2007, at his home, in the arms of his beloved wife of 52 years. Jim was born on Feb. 24, 1937, in Hebron. He was the last child born in the historic Wilson farm house. He was the son of Theodora Rojcewicz Wilson and the late Robert P. Wilson. Jim graduated from Washington Academy in Salem in 1955. He and his wife, Julie, resided in Fort Edward where they owned and operated Wilson Contracting & Fannicap Gardens. Jim served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1958 and in the Army Reserves for six years. During his service, he was a military policeman and attained the status of sharpshooter (pistol). He was also awarded the Good Conduct Medal. Jim was a man who worked hard and played hard. He loved music, dancing and was an excellent polka & ballroom dancer. He and Julie enjoyed many polka parties with their good friends, the late Walt and Dot Strainer. He loved to fly and, for many years, owned his own plane. Jim also loved nature and, during his later years, he became his wife's "favorite garden tool." She kept him in "good working order" by rendering tender loving care and together Jim and Julie designed and created a Sept. 11, 2001 remembrance garden. Jim grew up on farms and loved agriculture, animals and wildlife. He was an outspoken advocate for maintaining environments conducive to wildlife and was an avid birdwatcher. Jim was a faithful master to several German shepards during his life, and was known throughout the area for his relationship with "Jake," his three-legged companion and, more recently, "Buddy." Jim's most recent passion was photography. He spent many hours taking pictures of wildlife and nature and had many extraordinary shots that he was able to share with his friends, family and customers. Jim was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his wife of 52 years and his mother; his children, James L. Wilson and his wife, Cheryl, of Fort Edward, Janis A. Murnane and her husband, John, of Kingsbury, Jane A. Hudson and her husband, Timothy, of South Glens Falls, Joseph A. Wilson and his wife, Donna, of Argyle, and Julie L. Montero and her husband, David, of Queensbury; 14 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; his brother, John L. Wilson and his wife, Vicki, of Chandler, Ariz.; his sister Alice Jeanne Smith, and her husband, Gene, of Ballston Spa; his two aunts, an uncle, several nieces, nephews and cousins and his special cousin and friend, Peter Russell, of FortEdward. Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15, 2007, at the M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 82 Broadway, Fort Edward. Email condolences may be sent at www.kilmers.com Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Tom Babiuch, pastor of St. Joseph Church, Fort Edward, officiating. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in James's memory to Washington County Hospice, 415 Lower Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839 or to the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 226, Fort Edward, NY 12828. Julie would like to send a special thank you to our gardener friends who have been helpful and supportive throughout the years.