James Edward Wilson

Concord, VT: James Edward Wilson, age 85, of Shadow Lake Road went home to the Lord Tuesday evening, August 11, 2026, with his beloved wife beside him.

James was born in Springfield, VT, on April 2, 1941, son to the late James, Sr. and Marion Ruth (Howard) Wilson. He grew up in Danville his first 7 years and later in Concord, VT, working of the farm until joining the U.S. Army at the age of 18 after graduating from Concord High School in the Class of 1959. He served for 3 years before returning to Vermont and lived in Concord where he found work at the foundry there. Jim married Eileen E. Fox on November 30, 1963, and then re-upped with the Army where he was stationed in Korea and at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD, for 3 years. He moved the family back to Concord for a time until the choice to join the U.S. Air Force. He served at Loring AFB in Maine for 9 years where he was also able to complete a Bachelor’s Degree at Ricker College. He was transferred with his young family to Alaska where Jim got to fish, hunt moose, and dip for salmon until retiring with 23 years under his belt with the rank of Master Sergeant. Moving back to Vermont in a month’s long journey through the states, he worked the next 15 for the Postal Service, initially in White River Jct., until a position opened at the office in St. Johnsbury. Jim began driving school bus for Concord and later in Waterford, where he was able to drive his granddaughters and even some of his great nieces and nephews. Throughout the years James was active and loved sports, impressing this upon his children as well. He played baseball in high school and was very proud to have gone to the State Championship in 1959. He loved living in Concord where he could hunt and cut firewood on Shaw Mountain; he played golf and was still swinging his club a few weeks ago, despite his battle with Parkinsons.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Eileen Wilson of Concord, his daughters: Katrina Wilson of San Diego, CA, Anna DeGreenia of Concord, VT, his siblings: Lynda Silsby (George) of Lunenburg, Sherri Sorrell Johnson of Concord, 2 grandchildren: Kristen E. McElroy (Chris), Kasey M. Harris (Caleb), 4 great-grandchildren: Izabella, Izaiah, Cal Arthur, Cruz Michael and several cousins, nieces and nephews and all the Fox Clan.

He was also predeceased by his son-in-law: Denny DeGreenia in 2017, his sister: Virginia Hudson and his brother: H. Bruce Wilson.

A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at the Concord Village Cemetery at 1PM on Friday, August 21, 2026, with Rev. Josh Abetti officiating. There will be no calling hours at this time.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to help with Parkinson’s research. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at saylesfh.com