James Leroy Wilson

James, (Jim), Leroy Wilson, 82 of West Mineral, Kansas, formerly from McCune, Kansas entered eternal rest on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 3:24 pm. He passed comfortably with mind at ease surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born October 8,1943 in Camp White, Oregon to Lyman E. Wilson and Moauna D. (Allen), Wilson. He attended McCune Elementary School and graduated from McCune High School in 1961. Jim continued his education at Coffeyville Community College on a track scholarship and then on to the University of Missouri – Columbia where he competed as part of the 1965 Indoor Track & Field National Championship team. There Jim graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry.

Jim proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.

Jim married Rose Marie (Perello) Wilson on May 30, 1970, at St. Rose Catholic Church in Columbus, Kansas. They have resided in West Mineral ever since.

Jim held multiple positions through the years at Goodrich in Miami, Oklahoma, Kansas Army Ammunition plant in Parsons, Kansas as well as Crossland Construction in Columbus, Kansas, retiring in 2008. Jim was a proud member of the Fraternal order of Eagles Aerie #918 in West Mineral, Kansas for over 55 years. He was proudly inducted into the Kansas State Hall of Fame for having been a loyal and active member of his Aerie with outstanding service to the Fraternal Order of Eagles in June 2020. Following his Naval Service, he was a proud member of the VFW in Cherokee, Kansas and Columbus, Kansas.

Jim enjoyed spending time at his Neosho River cabin as well as entertaining family and friends while there. Jim also loved attending his grandchildren's many activities from plays to wrestling matches, football, volleyball, softball, and baseball tournaments. He loved watching the kids and grandkids compete. Jim never knew a stranger and went out of his way to make certain everyone felt welcome. He was always a wonderful resource of knowledge and never failed to jump in and help when asked. "Mr. Wilson" was loved by many and will be forever missed.

Survivors include his wife Rose Marie of the home; children Mindy Garrett of West Mineral, KS, Diana Coble and husband Steve of Joplin, MO, Jamie Wilson of Pittsburg, KS and Jeff Wilson and wife Heather of Columbus, KS and six grandchildren Mary Garrett, Keyth Waltrip, Garret Coble, Gavin Coble, Sierra Wilson and Shelbi Wilson.

A Celebration of Life will be hosted by the West Mineral Eagles Club located at 106 Olive Street West Mineral, KS at 12:00pm Saturday March 14, 2026. Lunch will be provided. Jim's last request was that family and friends come and share memories. Jim was an avid reader his entire life and supported the McCune Library. In lieu of flowers the family asks expressions of sympathy to be in the form of memorials to McCune Osage Township Library and/or the FOE Aerie #918 in West Mineral, KS. Friends may drop off or mail memorials to Bath-Naylor Funeral Home 104 W. Main St Weir, KS 66781. Condolences may be left at https://www.bathnaylor.com. Arrangements and services are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home of Weir, KS.