Mr. James Edward Wilson

SNOW CAMP - Mr. James Edward Wilson passed away Sept. 5, 2013 from injuries he suffered in a tractor accident earlier in the week.
He was born in Burke County July 12, 1943. He was the son of Ruby Lingafelt Wilson Wood and the late Robert Edward Wilson.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Bobby Wilson; maternal grandmother, Ruth Chester Lingafelt Curtis; and a brother-in-law, Paul Bush.
Survivors left to cherish his memory include his wife of 51 years, Louise; sons, Bryan Edward Wilson (Melodee) and Jonathan Wilson (Jennifer); eight grandchildren, Chelsey Wilson, Hayden Wilson, Tanner Wilson, Justen Murray (Kara), Jeremy Murray (Rebecca), Kaitlyn Wilson, Jonathan Wilson and Jeremiah Wilson; brothers, John Wilson (Sarah) of Morganton and Larry Wilson (Shelia) of Burlington; sisters, Ann Wilson Bush, Joyce Wilson Penland (Edward) of Lakeland, Florida; 20 nieces; 16 nephews; 20 great-nieces; 23 great-nephews; 18 great-great-nieces; and 11 great-great-nephews.
James moved to Snow Camp in 1965 with his wife and son, Bryan, leaving his job at Kirksey Funeral Home to start a new life in Alamance County. Before establishing the outdoor theatre in Snow Camp, he worked as a dairy farmer, parts manager for Byrd Tractor and later opened Ye Old Country Kitchen in Snow Camp.
James was a member of Cane Creek Friends Meeting. He was an avid Tar Heel fan and his ongoing interest in sports led him to establish the Sylvan Athletic Association in Southern Alamance County where he went on to coach several sports teams.
James had a desire to preserve the history of Snow Camp and, in 1972, James and his brother, Bobby, came up with the idea of bringing an outdoor theatre to Snow Camp, with The Sword of Peace being the original historical drama presented and then, 20 years later, Pathway to Freedom.
James served on the original Snow Camp Historical Drama Society's Board of Directors and then became the general manager from 1975 to the present time. For the past 40 years the Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre has been a vital part of the community due to his passion, excellence and dedication to the Quaker community. He cared deeply for the company of actors who spent their summers with him and taught them the value of hard work through his example.
James could entertain family and friends for hours with his unique gift of storytelling. He was an incredibly loving and compassionate person. His greatest and most enduring legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren, who he dearly loved and who brought him the greatest pleasure.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013 at 11 a.m. in the Wilson Amphitheatre at the Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre, P.O. Box 535, Snow Camp, NC 27349 or www.youcaring.com/jameswilsonmemorial
Rich & Thompson Funeral Home and Crematory in Graham is assisting the Wilson family.
Condolences may be offered at www.richandthompson.com