James Wilson, was born on September 30, 1955, in Cincinnati, Ohio, one of seven children to James and Mary Ella (Malone) Wilson.  He entered into rest on August 15, 2024, in Neosho, Missouri, at the age of 68. James graduated from Hughes High School in Cincinnati and following graduation, enlisted in the U.S. Army.  While serving his country in the army, he was stationed in Germany and later served in Desert Storm.  During his time in Germany, the Wilson Gospel Choir was formed and is active to this date and over the years, he returned to Germany numerous times to minister with and tour with the choir.  He was honorably discharged from the army on December 31, 1995, having achieved the rank of Staff Sargent. He graduated from Bethany Bible College in Las Vegas, Nevada with his degree in religion and theology. In 2014, he relocated from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Southwest Missouri.  He was currently working at Standard Transportation in Joplin and had worked with Teen Challenge, Restoration Life and served as Chaplain with the Newton County Sheriff's Department for eight years.  He served as Pastor at 'Step with Faith Church' for five years and 'Freedom Fellowship Church' for five years.  He loved to minister to others by singing praises to the Lord and sharing his love of the Lord.  He was a people person and enjoyed life. He enjoyed being outside, loved his dogs and cat and all animals. On April 28, 2001, in Las Vegas, Nevada, James and Susie (Anderson) Wilson were united in marriage and she survives.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by six children, Levar Willis of St. Louis, Missouri, Deidra Wilson of North Augusta, South Carolina, Jimmy Jefferson and wife, Kimberly of Las Vegas, Nevada, Michael Jefferson of Jayess, Mississippi, Angela Gleason of Incline Village, California and Shanice Jefferson of Las Vegas, Nevada.  Also surviving are grandchildren, Tyler Carrabis, Jayda Jefferson, Derek Jefferson, Gabriel Jefferson, Pricila Jefferson, Emily Rubio, Aubrey Rubio and Giovanni Wilson; one great granddaughter, A'leiya Scott and three siblings, Tony Wilson and Veda Stonehouse of Cincinnati, Ohio and Gloria Calloway of San Diego, California.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three sisters, Sylvia Morgan, Carla Scott and Cheryl Wilson.