James Allen Wilson

James Allen Wilson, affectionately known to all as "Big Al," passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 78. A resident of Franklin, Ohio, Al was born in Middletown on July 3, 1947. Allen was raised in the Middletown First Church of the Nazarene. He was a proud 1965 graduate of Franklin High School, where he set the foundation for a life filled with hard work, laughter, and dedication to his community.

He was preceded in death by his father and best friend, James Herold Wilson, his loving mother, Imogene Wilson and his nephew, Jamey Holbrook.

Life truly began for Al in 1967 when he married his "little sweetie pie," Ellen. Together, they built a life centered on family. Al was a man who knew the value of hard work. He was a Master Plumber who spent years working alongside his father and best friend, Herold Wilson, at Wilson's Plumbing. Later, he took that expertise and drive to establish his own successful business, Allen-Wilson Construction.

To know Al was to know a man with a great smile and a sense of humor to match. He was outspoken, funny, and loved to joke with anyone willing to listen. When he wasn't working, he was likely outdoors. He was a Master Fisherman and a Champion Coon Hunter who also took immense pride in keeping his yard in pristine condition. A lover of sports, he spent many seasons as a softball coach and player. His heart for the community was evident in his work with the Hunter Youth Recreation Association, where he worked tirelessly to build the concession stand and restrooms while always ensuring the fields were ready for play.

Family was everything to Big Al. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ellen Wilson; his sisters, Joanie Etter, Debbie Bake, and Lynn Wilson; and his children, Stephanie West and her husband David, Christie Kesler and her husband Randy, Shawna Lakins and her husband Travis, and Timmy Wilson and his wife Jamie. His legacy continues through his grandchildren and great-grandchildren Hannah West, Hudson West, Mallory Kesler, Hayden Kesler, Travis Lakins, Gunner Lakins, Tanner Wilson, Benny Kesler, Brezzlyn Lakins, TJ Lakins, and Tucker Lakins and Briggsley Lakins.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate his life on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Baker Stevens. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service immediately following.