James Taylor Wilson

James Taylor Wilson (Jim), 88, of Athens, TN, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2023. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Jean Wilson. Jim is also reunited with his brother, Bryan Wilson. Born in Athens, TN, on June 6, 1934, to the late Jerry and Polly Wilson, Jim grew up and lived in McMinn County most of his life.

As a strong man of God, Jim attended Double Springs Baptist Church most of his life and served as a Sunday School Teacher and Deacon for many years. He was also heavily involved with the Gem Players in Etowah and loved wood working, gardening, and helping others any chance he got.

Jim served in the Navy from 1951-1953, but most of his career was spent in the photo industry. Working for Fox Photo, Kodak, and other growing photo companies, he traveled as a salesman. He always had a fascination for film and collected many types of early photo cameras.

After the passing of his wife, Nancy, Jim enjoyed spending many afternoons and evenings with his friends at local ball games, working at Ralph Bucker Funeral Home, and simply spending time with his family. In his final few years, he really connected and grew close with his son-in-law, as Eddie began to take over the majority of yard work and house maintenance.

He is survived by his daughter Jamie King and her husband Eddie King, grandson T.K. King and his wife Charity and son Levi Nolan, brother-in-law Butch Martin and his wife Nancy, and several special nieces and nephews Heather Kiser and her husband Josh, Seth Wilson and his wife Jessica, and Trescy Lee and her husband Tick.

Jim was loved by all those who knew him in his community, and that wasn’t a small number of people. He was a great husband, father, and friend and never said no to anyone. While he will be greatly missed by all who knew him, his family takes great comfort in knowing that he no longer suffers and has the joy of seeing his Savior face to face.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001.