James Wilson, the son of the late Woodrow Wilson, Sr. and the late Estelle Rollerson Wilson, was born in St. Stephen, SC on May 9, 1950.

James received his education in the public schools of Berkeley County. He was a 1969 graduate of Russellville High School. James was very active with his class by attending and helping coordinate events, including their reunions and annual Memorial Day celebrations. James went on to work at Albany Felt (later known as Albany International) at the age of 19, during a period when there was racial segregation. After overcoming many racial barriers, he later became a shift supervisor. James diligently and faithfully worked at Albany for forty (40) years. He was always on time and received perfect attendance for every year except two (2).

On December 26, 1980, James married his childhood sweetheart, Alfreda (who he affectionately called "Bird"). They fell in love after Alfreda passed James a note on the bus he was driving. James and Alfreda basically grew up together. James even boldly took on the task of helping Alfreda raise seven (7) of her siblings after the passing of her parents. James and Alfreda would have been married for a total of forty (40) years, together for fifty (50) years, in December. Their love story concluded with six (6) children, eleven (11) grandchildren, and three (3) great grandchildren.

James was an amazing father and husband. He loved his family fiercely. He was always there when you needed him. Sometimes, he was there before you knew you needed him. Even if it was something as simple as maintaining his family's cars. Every Saturday morning, he would wash every car in the yard, but only if it were a Chevrolet. Fords were not welcome. He was extremely proud of his family and showed them off every chance he got.

James accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and became a member of Good Shepherd Reformed Episcopal Church at an early age. James had a great love for his church. He served as a Lay Reader for over fifty (50) years. He was a member of the Vestry Board, Men of the Church Auxiliary Board, and Building Committee. He was also Caretaker of the cemetery. James loved to read and study God's word. His bible was always filled with highlights and notes. His love for God's word encouraged him to play an instrumental role in starting a men's bible study within the 41 community.

James sincerely enjoyed gardening, vegetables, that is. He did not grow flowers because he said he couldn't eat them. But, he would give in every now and then to make his wife happy. He took great pride in his garden. He also enjoyed fishing, especially with his children and grandchildren. His favorite sport was football. He was an avid Carolina Panthers' fan, win or lose. Over the years, he frequently traveled to watch them play with the Men's Social Club. He also enjoyed watching the Timberland Wolves and the South Carolina State Bulldogs.

James took care of his community. He volunteered with the Adopt-a-Highway program for years to help clean up the highway. He would also religiously cut everybody's grass - his grass, the church's grass, his neighbor's grass, your neighbor's grass – he enjoyed a neat and clean yard and helping others in need. He gave back to his community by joining the local chapter of the NAACP and J.K. Gourdin Elementary School's Dads Club.

On Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at 11:41 pm, James answered the Lord's call and slipped away peacefully.

James was preceded in death by his father, Woodrow Wilson Sr.; his mother, Estelle Rollerson Wilson; his brothers, Robert Lee Wilson, Woodrow Wilson, Jr., and Robert Rollerson; and his adopted son, Willie James Parson.

His memory will forever live in the hearts of: his loving and devoted wife, Alfreda P. Wilson; his children, Eric Sharome (Latonia) Wilson, Carla Machelle Blandon (Tyrone) Jeffcoat, Errica LaShonda (Jermaine) Gadsden, Bryan James (Brittany) Wilson, Jamie Estelle Wilson, Brittany Machelle Wilson; his adopted children, Samuel Parson, Jr., Sylvester Parson, Sandra Clark, Mary (Chris) Felton, Katherine Parson Brown and Nicole S. Parson (Kenneth) Carter; his siblings, Carrie Rollerson, Margaret Owens, Annie Mae (Leon) Milford, Barbara (Nathaniel) Milford, Cellamena W. Theirse, Rev. Johnnie (Cecelia) Wilson, Joe Nathaniel (Velma) Wilson and Alyce R. Wilson; his sister-in-laws, Christina Parson (Fernando) Starks and Marilyn Wilson; his grandchildren and great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Viewing will be Sunday, May 24, 2020 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Graveside Service will be Monday, May 25, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Reformed Episcopal Church Cemetery, Bonneau, SC.