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James Wilson Obituary

HAMPTON - James H. "Jimmy" Wilson, 73, died Wednesday, March 27, 2013. A native of Texas, he was a longtime Hampton resident. Jimmy was a graduate of, and strong advocate for, the Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding. He played football for the Builders while a student, and later was head coach for a number of years. He retired as Director of Trades from the Newport News Shipyard in 2000 after 39 years of service. An avid salt water fisherman, he was a US Coast Guard licensed boat Captain and member of the Hatteras Marlin Club. He loved spending free time at his second home at Pirate's Cove in Manteo, NC, where he kept his boat, the Miss Ann and pursued his love of fishing. A loving husband, father, and exceedingly proud grandfather, he will be greatly missed but his legacy endures. His son is an Apprentice graduate, and his grandson is currently an Apprentice. A fellow shipbuilder and dear friend stated that Jimmy was "a real shipbuilder, a real boss, and a real man." His family couldn't agree more. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Ann W. Wilson; his daughter, Wendy Connly and her husband, Mike of Hampton; his son, James "Bart" Wilson and his wife, Liz of Suffolk; two grandchildren, Josh Connly and Samantha Connly Fiore and her husband, Tony; a sister-in-law, Billie Jean Neil; a brother-in-law, Bobby Wheless; and many other cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 PM, Saturday, March 30, 2013 in the R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home chapel by Rev. John C. Price. Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm Friday at the funeral home and at the home of Wendy Connly at other times. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Relay For Life, American Cancer Society, 11830 Canon Blvd., Ste. A102, Newport News, VA 23606.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Press on Mar. 29, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for James Wilson

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Darcy Terry

April 22, 2013

Such a fine man who left a wonderful legacy by setting an example of kindness to everyone he encountered. A true Virginia gentleman (from Texas)... We'll miss him.

April 3, 2013

Ann and family,
I was saddened to read of Jimmy's death in the paper. I was out of town on the day of his funeral and am so sorry that I could not come and pay my respects. My prayers are with you and the rest of your lovely family during this time of grief and sorrow. You truly was Jimmy's soul mate and could not have been a more perfect wife and mother. God be with you. Pat Terry

Al and Benton Knight

April 2, 2013

My father and I just learned of Jimmy's passing. I have never known a more genuine person in my life. His friendship
will be missed by both of us. Ann please let me know if there is anything we can do for you.

Gordon Gentry

April 1, 2013

It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Jimmy Wilson. I first met Jimmy in the 1980's when he led the Shipyard's United Way Campaign. Through his dynamic leadership, the Shipyard employees more than doubled their giving in any previous year. It was clear the great admiration his associates in the Shipyard had for him as well as the great affection he had for them and for his company, He was a very special man. My heartfelt sympathy is extended to all in his family.
Gordon Gentry, Jr

Wayne Hunley

April 1, 2013

Dear Ann,

My mother, Janet Hunley, and I send you our deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband. Jimmy was one of the people at the Yard that my dad, Reggie, respected most. I heard him speak of so many people over the years, but Jimmy's name was a constant. My mom was so glad to see him at my dad's funeral that she stopped talking mid-sentence to some people to express her appreciation to him for what he had meant to my dad over the years. As others have stated on here, he was indeed a special person. Our family prays that you find comfort in God's grace and memories of Jimmy's life.

Eddie Barefoot

March 31, 2013

"Jimmy Wilson" was a true leader! In my opinion he was one of the greatest I ever met during my almost 50 years in the Shipyard. I coached wrestling while he coached football with Norman Snead, Gene Yearwood, Jimmy Rama and others. He was someone everyone looked up to. I also had the opportunity to work with his son "Bart".

Jimmy was motivated and incouraged me like no one else.

If everyone lived life and treated people like Jimmy did "WOW" what a great world it would be.

The "only" negative thing I could say about Jimmy is, when he and Gene Yearwood came in "my wrestling" room, they would walk on my wrestling mats with "street shoes" on (not much to complain about).

We all loved him and will "miss him" greatly. If there is anything I can do please call on me.

Eddie Barefoot

March 31, 2013

Our deepest sympathy to you Ann, Wendy, Bart and family. We have a lot of wonderful memories as a neighbor and good friend. Sorry we were not able to be there to give you our support and love.
Charlie & Glennell Fullman

March 31, 2013

Jimmy was someone I always admired. He was very helpful to me, especially during the early years of my career at Newport News Shipbuilding. I'm very proud that we were able to honor him for his leadership and to share his legacy with so many apprentices who came after him. May he now rest in the peace of Christ and may God's grace be his family and loved ones.

Jim Hughes, The Apprentice School

Bill & Frances Weaver

March 30, 2013

Ann, Wendy, Bart & Family,

We send our deepest sympathy in the loss of our dear friend and co-worker, Jimmy. He will truly be missed and the wonderful memories of him will remain in our hearts forever. Sorry that we were out-of-town at his passing and were not there to express our personal tribute to Jimmy and help comfort you, Ann, and the other family members . . . we loved him dearly. May God bless you at this most difficult time and please call us if we can help you in any way.

With love,

johnny george

March 30, 2013

thanks for all the help jimmy,my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

March 30, 2013

Sorry to hear about the passing of Jimmy.
I have many fond memories of both working
and boating with him
I always appreciated his support on shipyard projects.
Sympathy to you Ann,and the family.
Sonny Sorenson

Bob Bryant

March 30, 2013

Jim was a great Apprentice School teammate and a good friend. He was respected by all, and was a man of values. I especially remember his wonderful sense of humor. May God bless you all during this difficult time. Bob Bryant

Lyle (Johnny) Cash

March 30, 2013

I worked with Jimmy for many years, one of the best shipyard mate ever. I know he will be greatly missed. To the family know you are in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult.

TRENT & CIANNE JOYNER

March 29, 2013

ANNE WENDY BART & FAMILY
WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF JIMMY'S PASSING.OUR THOUGHT'S AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR SWEET FAMILY.

Jim Thornton

March 29, 2013

My sincere condolences to the family. Jimmy and I go back many years. he was in Operations, I in safety. We shared many laughs together. He will be missed greatly. Take comfort in knowing how many people he touched and helped, and that he is in a wonderful place now.

March 29, 2013

I worked with Jimmy for many years. He is a great person who went out of his way to help others. He will be missed by so many. Once again, a great man. William "Bill" Handy

March 29, 2013

Dear Ann, Windy, Bart and family,
Please accept my smpathy in the loss of someone you all loved so much. I am priviledged to have known Jimmy and call him my friend.I shall cherish the times we shared and I shall miss him as a brother. He loved his family, the Apprentice School, Hampton HS and The Shipyard. It is very rare to meet and know a Mans Man, a true leader and an inspiration to me and many others. I only wish I could be with you at this sad time but he lived a full and wonderful life. I send you my smpathy and love and hope you shall cherish his memory as I will.
Norman Snead

March 29, 2013

I miss you Grandaddy, we all do.

Ann Willis

March 29, 2013

I worked for Jimmy at NNS and he was one of the greatest men I ever worked around. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, and hope you and your family find comfort in the fact that he touched so many lives while he was with us.

Harlan Brooks

March 29, 2013

I've thought of Jimmy often over the years, remembering all the good times we had both inside and outside of the shipyard. Tight lines my friend.

Eleanor Kemp Hubbard

March 29, 2013

Prayers with the family of a "Crabber" and neighbor during our school years.

March 29, 2013

I love you. I will miss you so much. You were the best father in law anyone could ask for. I know you are with my mom.

Jim Wallace

March 29, 2013

Dear Ann, Wendy, and Bart,

Deepest sympathy in your loss. Jimmy was a great friend to me personally and to the Apprentice School. I will never forget great times we shared and his willingness to do anything he could to make a positive difference for the school he loved and in his friends' lives. He was a joy to know, and will be deeply missed by me and many others. With love. Jim Wallace

Jim Edwards

March 29, 2013

As a mentor and great friend,Jimmy will surely be missed. My thoughts and prayers to his family.

Scott Hall

March 29, 2013

I will always remember and be grateful for the times fishing on the Miss Ann in Hatteras...."Fair Weather and Calm Seas"

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R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home - Hampton

245 South Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23669

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