James Wilson
James Wilson, 85, long-time Perkins County rancher of Aberdeen formerly of Bison, passed away peacefully Saturday July 7th at the Sanford Foundation Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls.
James Brownie “Jim” Wilson was born on October 1, 1932 in Lemmon, SD to William H. “Brownie” and Thealyn (Holty) Wilson. He grew up on the Lost Camp Ranch near Meadow and attended Bison Schools through the eighth grade. He left school shortly into his freshman year to manage the ranch due to his father’s health issues. He joined the National Guard in January 1950, serving until January 1953. He married Vera Gay Foss on March 27, 1960 at Rosebud Lutheran Church. To this union, three children were born: one awesome, one stubborn and one a little goofy. We’ll let you figure out who’s who. He ranched until 1988, when he sold his cows, rented his land and began working for various area farmers and ranchers. In 2006, he and Vera moved to the Homestead Heights apartments in Bison. In 2014, they moved to Aberdeen to be closer to children and services.
He was a member of the Production Credit Association Board of Directors from 1968-1981.
He is survived by his children: Paul (Jacki) Wilson of Mina, Paula (Rex) Eichelberger of Avoca, IA and Blaine (Susan) Wilson of Sioux Falls, nine grandchildren: Amber (Matt) Biegler of Aberdeen, Lindsey (Neil) Hardy of Mitchell, Abbey Jo (Trevor) Zens of Fargo, ND, Taylor Wilson of Oakes, ND, Levi (Jesika) Eichelberger of Virginia Beach, VA, Laramie (Megan) Eichelberger of Wilson, NC, Tanner Eichelberger of Avoca, IA, Tyler Wilson of Plymouth, MN and Brendan Wilson of Madison, nine great-grandchildren, Cannon, Collins, Greyson, Lennon, Adalynn, Emma, Genevieve, Hudson and James, one sister, Elaine Peck of Parker, CO and one sister in law and brother in law, Myrna and Chuck Mertz of Hettinger, ND
He was preceded in death by his wife, Vera, his parents, his sister Bonnie Scarborough, brothers in law Hugh Scarborough and Dale Peck and nephews Bryon Peck and Eric Scarborough.
Funeral services were Thursday, July 12th at 10:30 a.m. at the American Lutheran Church in Bison, SD, with Pastor Mary Wiggins officiating. Burial was in the Bison Cemetery. Visitation was Wednesday, July 11th from 1-7 pm at the Evanson-Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon, with the family present beginning at 6:00. A prayer service will follow at 7:00 pm.
