James Wilson, age 69 of Mecosta, passed away Sunday, October 10, 2010 at his home on Horsehead Lake. James was born November 13, 1940 in Normal, Illinois, the son of Merle and Helen Wilson. A graduate of Bloomington High School, Jim also attended the University of Wisconsin at Parkside in Kenosha, WI. Jim married Carol Sockett and together raised their family of five children, initially in Southeastern Wisconsin, and subsequently in Farmington Hills, MI. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army, serving from 1958 to 1961 as a missile crewmember. He later enjoyed a successful career as an International Marketing Manager for Chrysler, including many years with American Motors Corporation prior to a merger with Chrysler. As a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Big Rapids, Jim was active in the Healing Garden Group. He also was a member of the Horsehead Lake Association, encouraging the maintenance of fisheries activities to foster fishing improvement and lake clarity. Jim was a family man with a love for fishing, rooting for his beloved Green Bay Packers, painting watercolor landscapes, and spending time with his friends and grandchildren, who enjoyed his playful personality. Jim is survived by his beloved wife Carol, married more than 50 years; 5 children, Jim (Cathy) Wilson of White Lake, Ron (Margene) Wilson of Racine, WI, Amy (David) Stockmeyer of Farmington, Thomas Wilson of Mecosta, Bryan Wilson of Grand Rapids; 10 grandchildren-- Tony, Andrea, Aaron, Adam, Steven, Scot, James, Andrew, Anna, and Jason; a great-grandson, Johnny; a brother, Stephen Wilson of Glen Ellyn, IL; a sister, Jane Wilson of Bloomington, IL; a stepmother, Dora Wilson of Bloomington, IL; and many beloved brother and sister-in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by his parents, Merle and Helen Wilson, and a dear aunt, Kathryn Olsen. A memorial service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 15, 2010 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Big Rapids with Pastor Clay Bates officiating. The family will greet friends prior to services on Friday from 12:30 p.m. until services at 1:00 p.m. at the church. As per family request, in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Horsehead Lake Association, P.O. Box 344 Mecosta, Mi 49332, or the Immanuel Lutheran Church Healing Garden, 726 Fuller Avenue, Big Rapids, MI 49307.