James M. Wilson III

1934 - 2022

WILSON, James M., III, 87, of Richmond, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on January 2, 2022.

Born in Newport News, Virginia on February 17, 1934, Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James M. Wilson Jr. and Pearle F. Wilson; his sister, Emma Lou Jones and her husband, Jimmy Jones; his son, James "Jay" M. Wilson IV; his infant daughter, Patricia Lynn Wilson; as well as his grandparents, many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is survived by his loving wife, Peggy Wilson; stepson, Shane Manke and his wife, Holly; three wonderful grandchildren, Bryce, Aidan and Carsyn; his nephew, David Jones and his wife, Jennifer, and their children, Drew and Tara, all of Richmond; and his niece, Dr. Catherine Daley and her husband, Matthew, and their children, Will and Sam, of Denver, Colorado.

Jim was a graduate of the University of Richmond, where he held both a B.S. and a M.S. in Psychology and Education. He was also a graduate of The Executive Program at the Colgate Darden Business School at the University of Virginia.

Jim enjoyed a lengthy banking career beginning as a management trainee in 1959 at State Planters Bank and Trust Company (later United Virginia Bankshares) and retired in 1995 as Executive Vice President and Human Resources Director from Crestar Bank (SunTrust, now Truist) after 35 years. He served on the faculties of several southern banking schools throughout his career, as well as being an adjunct faculty member of the University College at the University of Richmond for 20 years. Upon retirement, he formed Wilson Motivational Enterprises and became a full-time professional speaker, coach, trainer, seminar leader and business consultant. Fondly referred to as "the Real Jim Wilson," he was an active member of many professional organizations and associations in Richmond and a former board member of the Bon Secours Richmond Health Care Foundation. His passion for helping individuals be the best they could be was a lifelong endeavor.

At the request of Jim there will not be a funeral service. His family, however, plans to hold a memorial in the spring. Interment will be in the University of Richmond Columbarium looking into the beautiful stained glass windows that he and Peggy looked out of at their wedding on that lovely fall day nearly 30 years ago. Online condolences may be made at www.blileys.com.

For those wishing to remember Jim, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Bon Secours Community Hospice House, c/o Bon Secours Richmond Health Care Foundation, 5008 Monument Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23230, www.bsvaf.org/makeagift.