James "Jim" Thomas Wilson, Sr.

James "Jim" Thomas Wilson, Sr., 77, of Richmond Hill, Georgia, passed into heaven to be with  his Lord on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at his residence under the care of Georgia Hospice, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 30, 1949, to the late William Henry Wilson and Mary Catherine Pirkle Wilson. He graduated from H.V. Jenkins High School in 1967 and attended Brunswick Junior College and Armstrong State College.

Throughout his working life, Jim held many positions, including working for the Herty Foundation, International Tractor, Southern States Phosphates & Fertilizer, and Strachan Shipping Company. He also worked as a process server for several attorneys in Richmond Hill, Savannah, and Hinesville. A hardworking and enterprising man, Jim owned both a landscaping company and a cleaning business.

Jim's greatest passion was his farm in Claxton, Georgia, where he enjoyed spending time outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and treasured the many hours he spent on the farm.

His faith was an important part of his life. Jim was a former member of Calvary Baptist Temple, where he taught the RA's and coached a basketball team before moving to Richmond Hill in 1978. He was a former member of Corinth Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir and was active in the Men's Breakfast Club. He was a current member of First Baptist Church Richmond Hill.

Jim had a lifelong love of music. He played the trumpet, guitar, banjo, and doghouse bass and was a member of several bands throughout his life. He enjoyed country western, bluegrass, and gospel music, and in later years he performed music from the Civil War era with the Shades of Gray.

He was also deeply involved in his community. Jim served as past president of the Richmond Hill Exchange Club and was a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. He became a Mason in 1975 when he joined Zerubbabel Masonic Lodge in Savannah. After moving to Richmond Hill, he transferred his membership to Bryan Lodge No. 303. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite and Alee Temple, where he was a member of the Hillbillies in Savannah.

Jim especially enjoyed coaching and mentoring young people. When his sons were young, he spent countless hours coaching Richmond Hill recreation football, baseball, and basketball teams. Over the years, he nurtured and encouraged many young men in the community, leaving an enduring impact on those whose lives he touched.

Jim was known for his stories, his sense of humor, and his ability to bring people together. He shared countless memories and good times with the men of the former breakfast group, affectionately known as the "Liars Club," at the old Hardee's in Richmond Hill. He also enjoyed swapping tales and telling tall stories at Dinky Miner's. These gatherings and the friendships they created remain precious memories of a bygone era in Richmond Hill.

On July 26, 1969, at Calvary Baptist Temple, Jim married the love of his life, Elaine Josephine Tuten. Together they shared 57 years of love, laughter, family, and memories. Jim devoted his life to his faith and to his family, whom he loved dearly and proudly spoiled. He will be remembered for his generous heart, his humor, his love of music and the outdoors, and the many lives he touched throughout his years.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his maternal grandparents, Robert Mathis Pirkle and Ruby Stewart Pirkle; his paternal grandparents, Northen William Wilson and Eva Ophila Arnett; his son, Seth Allen Wilson, Sr.; his sister, Paula Dianne Wilson Mitchell; and his brother, Tony Dean Wilson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Elaine Josephine Tuten Wilson; his son, James Thomas Wilson, Jr.; his sister, Patricia Anne Wilson Bacich (John); his sister-in-law, Bettie Jean Andrus Wilson; three grandsons, James Thomas Rustin Wilson III, Seth Allen Wilson, Jr. (Dana Carley Wilson), and Jacob Blake Wilson; two great-grandsons, Clayton Thomas Charlie Wilson and Bentley Walker Cash Wilson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Richmond Hill Funeral Home, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Daniel Baptist Cemetery with Masonic Graveside Rites.

Jim will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many young people he mentored throughout his life. His legacy of faith, family, friendship, music, service, and storytelling will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.