Jimi Wilson

Jimi Wilson obituary, Newbern, TN

Jimi Wilson

Jimi Wilson Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Johnson-Williams Funeral Home on Jul. 17, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Jimi Wilson – Rocking On Eternally
Jimi Wade Wilson, 58, passed away July 15 at his residence in Dyersburg. Born in San Pedro, California, he was the son of the late Jimmy Earl Wilson and Peggy Luana Smith.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, July 27 at 3388 S. Bluff Rd., Obion. Those planning to attend, please confirm with the family by texting 901-654-5854 (text only, please).
Jimi spent most of his life in Tennessee, where he built a community of family, friends, and fans who will forever cherish his memory. A graduate of Obion County High School, he was a creative, self-made man who ran his own advertising business for decades.
And above all, Jimi was a lifelong musician whose passion for rock and roll was clear to everyone who heard him sing or watched him perform. Many would say he was a born rock star-and in the 1980s, he made it official when he became the lead singer for his first rock band.
Over the years, Jimi's powerful voice and electric stage presence lit up venues from Memphis to the shores of St. Pete Beach, Florida, and of course, right at home in Dyersburg. No matter where he was, Jimi poured his heart and soul into every note, every lyric, and every show. His musical journey was filled with unforgettable collaborations, having fronted or performed with bands such as Rockin' Horse, Lawless, Monarch, Mr. Hyde, Three-Legged Dog, The Us Band, and Two Can Jam. Through it all, Jimi touched lives not just with his music, but also with his generous spirit, infectious energy, and deep love for his family, friends, and fans.
He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved son, Joshua Wilson of Arlington, Tennessee; his mother, Peggy Smith of Dyersburg; step-mother, Dinna Wilson of Obion; his sister, Heather Wilson of Memphis; brother, Johnny Wilson of Dyersburg; niece, Phoebe Morgan Wilson; grandniece, Blakely Joann Payne ("Jojo"); and cousins, Shelley Hicks, John Hicks, Kelly Kolwyck, Lisa Wilson, Eddie Robbins, and Nancy Robbins. He was preceded in death by his father, Jimmy Earl Wilson and cousins, Scott Wilson and Brian Wilson.
Honorary Pallbearers include Luke Dunaway, Jason Enochs, Mick Pettie, Anthony Patterson, Eddie Robbins, Danny Walker, Jonathan Stegall, Tim Stegall, and Mike Rigsby -friends, fellow musicians, and chosen brothers who shared the stage, the road, and the journey of life with Jimi.
In honor of Jimi's legacy, his family encourages friends to share memories and music in his name. Though the stage is silent, his song plays on in all of us.
Online condolences may be made to the family at johnsonwilliamsfuneralhome.com.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Jimi Wilson, please visit our floral store.

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

How to support Jimi's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Jimi Wilson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Jimi Wilson's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?