James "Arthur" Wilson

James "Arthur" Wilson, born on December 13, 1931, in Medon, Tennessee, peacefully entered his heavenly home on Thursday, October 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Maplewood Healthcare and Rehab in Jackson, Tennessee. He was 93 years old.

Arthur retired as a Conductor with the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad, having dedicated thirty-two years of service to the company. He was also a proud graduate of Malesus High School. Throughout his life, he took great pride in his family, cherishing their accomplishments and nurturing close bonds that would last a lifetime.

He was a devoted member and deacon at Malesus Baptist Church for many years, where he profoundly impacted his community. Arthur was actively involved in local governance, serving on the county road commission, acting as a constable in Madison County, and fulfilling his role as a county commissioner with commendable diligence. His commitment to service extended beyond politics, as he was an integral member of the Malesus Civic Club, enhancing the lives of those around him.

Arthur's pastimes were diverse and deeply fulfilling. He had a passion for flower gardening, often sharing the fruits of his labor with many in the community. Furthermore, he had a love for rabbit hunting and cherished the time spent with his many friends, boasting a pack of over twenty Beagles at one time. Arthur's laughter and stories from the Bonwood Cafe "Liars Table," where he was a long-standing member, filled his life with joy.

Arthur leaves behind a loving family that includes his wife of sixty-three years, Susan Malinda Tims Wilson; his daughters, Virginia "Jenny" Smith and her husband Mark, and Jan Masoud and her husband Kim; his son, J. A. "Jim" Wilson II and his wife Vonda; along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Wendi Stewart and Ben, Taylor Wilson and his wife Anna, Caitlin Masoud and her husband Cody, Wilson Masoud and his wife Raven, Makenzie Wilson, and great-grandchildren Lacee Taylor, Zakk Stewart, Shelby Wilson, Audrey Wilson, Lily Wilson, Dylan Todd, Riley Todd, Dani Claire Ridgeway, Logon Ridgeway, and Beau Ridgeway, Camryn Masoud and Blakely Masoud.

Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, William Thomas and Dola Hammers Wilson, his grandson David Smith the son of Mark and Jenny Smith. Arthur was the youngest of ten children, with seven brothers having already preceded him, Herman Wilson, Sammie Wilson, Mervin Wilson, Odell Wilson, W.T. Wilson and Parnell Wilson and three sisters, Dessie Wilson, Nell Wilson and Louise Wilson.

A visitation with family and friends will be held in Arthur's memory on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A funeral service will take place at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Mark Cagle and Rev. Randy Rinehardt officiating both taking place at Malesus Baptist Church located at 480 Old Malesus Rd, Jackson, TN 38301. Burial with Masonic Rites will be held at Malesus- Ebenezer Cemetery following the service.

Pallbearers will be Taylor Wilson, Brian Wilson, Cody Ridgeway, Larry Kirk, Wilson Masoud and Zakk Stewart.

Keith Masoud will serve as an Honorary Pallbearer.

The family is requesting that memorial contributions be directed to Malesus Baptist Church, 480 Old Malesus Road, Jackson, TN 38301.

James "Arthur" Wilson will be remembered not only for his contributions to his profession and community but also for his loving spirit and the warmth he extended to all whose lives he touched. He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication that will resonate through generations.