Many Thanks
I want to begin by thanking the many of you who sent condolences at the passing of my father. He was a truly great man, and we are truly grateful for the impact he had. We are also grateful for how many of you recognized the value of the impact he had.
And we thank God for all of it.
Details of the Service
The memorial service is scheduled for June 29, 2022, at the Nazarene Church in Moscow, Idaho (1400 E. 7th St, Moscow). The service will have two components—a song service at 10 am, where we will sing a selection of hymns picked out by my father, and then after a break, the memorial service itself will begin at 11 am. The doors of the church will open at 9:30 am.
The service will be recorded, and we have also arranged for it to be livestreamed. More details on that will be announced later.
In lieu of flowers, our request is that any donations be made to the CCM Literature Fund (PO Box 9754, Moscow, Idaho 83843). Thank you. Comments below are open.
Obituary
Jim Wilson was born October 6, 1927 to Leonard and Lillian Wilson in a farmhouse near Monroe, Nebraska.
He enlisted in the United States Navy right at the close of World War II, and obtained a fleet appointment to the Naval Academy, graduating in the class of 1950. He served as a line officer throughout the course of the entire Korean War, earning nine battle stars. His work experience was certainly varied—from the Omaha stock yards as a teen-ager to the bridge of a destroyer at war.
In the course of the war, in 1952 he married Bessie Dodds, a Canadian missionary in Yokohama, Japan.
He is survived by three sons, Douglas, Evan, and Gordon. His one daughter, Heather Torosyan, a true child of joy, entered into joy before him, a year and a half ago.
He was converted to Christ while at the Naval Academy, and from that time on has been committed to personal evangelism. Not only was he committed to it, but was also extremely gifted in it, touching the lives of thousands. He was the author of numerous books—including Principles of War, How to be Free From Bitterness, and Grace Upon Grace, his autobiography.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial donations be made to Community Christian Ministries (PO Box 9754, Moscow), designated for “literature distribution.” Online donations can be made through ccmbooks.org/donate.
My condolences!. I had a chance to sit down and talk with your Papa! I am grateful for his faith and encouragement….I only hope to perservere in it…like he has…
This will be a Father’s Day that celebrates his legacy and honors all fathers that make up the Wilson clan. Praise the Lord for the generations!
You have our sympathy and prayers. We’ve benefited from your father’s books and, of course, all of his downstream impact. God bless.
Grace and peace to all of yours. Jim was a blessing to the world. Thanks be to God.
I came across Mr Wilson when I listened to his audiobooks, “how to be free from bitterness”; and “the principles of war” on the Canon app. I did not even know I had a problem with bitterness until after listening to his book. It revealed areas in my life I need to correct; and further, guided me with real life application. I love the legacy Mr Jim Wilson started and what his family continues. I want my family to imitate these biblical principles that I see in the Wilson’s. His obedience will leave ripples in history for centuries! Big Thanks… Read more »
I’m sorry for your loss, Pastor Wilson, but am thankful you can rejoice that your Dad is in Heaven now. After a previous post of your father’s passing I followed the link to your dad’s website and read his testimony. It was very much a blessing to read.
Jim Wilson changed my life after hearing and applying “How to be free from bitterness” and “Relationships with parents” while at a Naval Academy retreat in 1994. He continued to encourage me during my ship tours through letters and I praise God for the truth he spoke so frankly. Thank you God for him and his family and I pray you continue to bless them all and comfort them during this time.
Jim played a pivotal role in my spiritual formation and in that of my extended family. I am forever grateful. A copy of “Grace Upon Grace” arrived today to save and extend the memories. “‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on’. ‘Yes’, says, the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them'” Rev. 14:13.