James Elvin Wilson, Sr.

James Elvin Wilson, Sr., 89, of Evans, LA, passed from this life on Saturday, March 9, 2024.

James, Jim, Daddy, Poppa. He had many names and carried many roles but the one he treasured the most was caregiver. He made sure his family was cared for every single day of his life.

Jim was born and raised in Vincennes, Indiana.

At the age of 22, he joined the US Army, which brought him to Louisiana for the Sagebrush Maneuvers at Ft. Polk. He was a proud Veteran. There he also met the love of his life and wife of 68 years, Shirley Ann, and they made a home in Evans and had 5 children.

Jim worked and retired as an Insulator of Local 112 for 28.5 years. He worked on many buildings around Louisiana stripping asbestos.

In 1976, he joined the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy. He proudly held that title until he was 84 years old. He met many people during his life and was a friend to all.

Jim was a man of few words, but he showed his love with his actions for all who knew him. He always wanted to help everyone and he did his best to do just that.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of sixty-eight years, Shirley Wilson of Evans, LA; sons, James Wilson, Jr. and Theresa of Evans, LA, Richard Wilson and Teresa of Leesville, LA, Brent Wilson of Evans, LA, Ryne Kennedy of Evans, LA; daughters, Jodi Nauta and Jerry of Evans, LA, Joni Kennedy of Evans, LA; grandchildren,  John, Mark(Roxanne), Mandy(Lance), Matthew(Brittany), Holly(Luke), Shelby, Corey, Jordyn(Timothy), Jerika(Shalyn), Justice(Ashley), Kane, Niki(Mark), Riki(Jamie), Dusti(Jeff); thirty-five great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Joni Wilson; grandson, Jacob Ryan Wilson; parents, James and Mary Wilson; brothers, Donald Wilson, Frederick Wilson; sisters, Mary Wilson, Irene Wilson.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024 from 10:00 AM until the time of the funeral service at 2:00 PM at First Pentecostal Church in Leesville, LA. Pastor Roger Herrington will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be Justice Nauta, Matthew Wilson, Gage Wisby, Timothy Thomas, Shalyn Smith, Jamie Maddox. Burial will follow at Evans Cemetery in Evans, LA.