James Monroe Wilson

James Monroe Wilson

June 29, 1936—February 10, 2025

James Monroe Wilson, aka “Jim” or “Papaw,” 88, of DeRidder, LA, died on February 10, 2025, after a long battle with heart disease.

James was born in Village, Arkansas in 1936 to Ila and Homer Wilson. His early years were spent among extended family in rural south Arkansas, where he learned to love the outdoors. From a young age, he showed diligence and character; he was chosen to clerk at the local general store starting at age 14. He was captain of his high school basketball team in his junior and senior years. After high school, James attended Southern State University before moving to New Orleans. There he attended the University College at Tulane.

James started work with Louisiana Power & Light (now Entergy) as a surveyor. He spent many years at LP&L, working his way through the ranks in various capacities, including purchasing manager and supervisor of the north Louisiana stores location. His coworkers at LP&L admired James for his commitment to honest work and his good-natured attitude. He was known for his support of his staff and advocating for their advancement. James also spent six years in the Air Force Reserve as a flight engineer on C-119s in the Cold War era.

James grew up in a Christian home and faithfully attended church, which led him to understand his need for a Savior. He trusted in Jesus as his Savior at an early age. He was an active member of First Baptist Church in DeRidder, Louisiana for the past 30 years. Throughout his life, he served his church in a variety of roles. James was a deacon in all of the churches he attended as an adult and participated in many mission trips. He also served with a number of community associations and boards.

James was known for his cheerful outlook on life, sweet disposition, resilient spirit, and skill at Southern cooking. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer and enjoyed camping and travelling with this family, especially with his grandchildren.

James is survived by his wife of 67 years, Catherine, his daughters and their husbands: Cynthia (David) Brown and Celeste (Nick) Marianos, his brother, Terry (Mattie) Wilson; his grandchildren and their spouses: Julia (Micah) Moughon, Virginia (Ross) Hildabrand, Wilson (Brooke) Brown, Sophie Marianos and Alex Marianos, and his great-grandchildren Annelise and Preston Moughon, and May Brown. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church in DeRidder, Louisiana on Friday February 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 am. The family requests that any memorial donations be made “In Memory of James Wilson” to the Good Shepherd Children’s Home at https://gsch.bmdmi.org/ or https://tinyurl.com/48wehj7p. The service will be streamed on First Baptist Church of DeRidder’s You Tube Channel.