James Stephen Wilson

Our father, grandfather, brother, neighbor, and friend died peacefully on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 10:23 a.m. He was surrounded by love with his daughters Jill Wilson-Zahn and Jamie Wilson-Murray by his side.

James Stephen Wilson was born October 19, 1944, to Ada and Lemoyne Wilson of River Heights Utah. As a twin to Judd Wilson, he had the magical twin connection. He also is a brother to Ross Wilson, whom he shared the love and pride of having cabins at Bridgerland Village together. He is preceded in death by his loving parents Ada and Lemoyne Wilson, his brother Scott Wilson, and Vance Wilson.

Our father lived an adventurous life of fishing, snowmobiling , camping, rock hunting, and gathering antlers near his home. He loved traveling to special places; Alaska, Beaverdam, Arizona where he wintered for several years, there he loved driving his razor around the desert.  He traveled to Seattle to visit his daughter Jill and her family, New York, and New Jersey to be with his daughter Jamie and her family. Gatherings in Woodstock to enjoy his family and fishing the stream.  Further travel included Thailand, and Mexico with his daughter Jill.

He loved his beautiful home in Bearlake, built by him along with the help of his brothers and other friends in the community. Those who knew him know he was in heaven there. He loved feeding the birds, deer, and moose that came by to visit. He loved visiting with friends, family, and neighbors. He was proud to share his home with anyone, he worked hard there as evidenced by his self-taught mason skills. He made it a welcoming and special place for anyone who entered, and this legacy continues.

He loved Christmas day at the cabin with his daughter’s Jill Wilson-Zahn, spouse Daniel Zahn, granddaughter’s Alina and Sofia, daughter Jamie Wilson-Murray, spouse Bryan Murray and their daughter Claire. He lit up around his granddaughter’s and loved to hear about their lives and create special memories together. They especially loved being on the snowmobile with grandpa. He loved visiting his family in New Jersey, Woodstock and Seattle filled with great adventures.

Our father was a hard-worker, with a strong work ethic and respect for others, which he instilled in his daughters and his granddaughter's. He was a teamster’s truck driver for his career and was well known around the valley for his friendly and outgoing manner.

His daughter's Jill and Jamie want to thank everyone for the tremendous support for their father this past year as he endured great hardship from a massive stroke October 2021. Demonstrating courage, strength and grace, was humbling to witness as he navigated the last 8 months of his life.

We wholeheartedly thank our cousins Annette and her husband Roger Howell, Paula and her husband Courtney Fisher, Mark Wilson, and brothers Ross and Judd Wilson for their continued support, love, and care of our father, and their care for us during this difficult time. We extend gratitude to our mother Gayle Reading Godfrey and stepfather Bob Godfrey for their generous kindness and care to our father. Thank you to the numerous friends and neighbors who came often to be by his side during this challenging time.

We know our father is at peace and soaring above the mountains. As he would say, quote “Rock On.”

Dad, we love you now, always and forever.

We welcome everyone who knew and loved our Dad to attend his graveside service on Saturday June 4th at 11:00 a.m. at the Garden City Cemetery. Graveside services have been arranged in coordination with White Pine Funeral Services. Memories can be shared with the family at www.whitepinefunerals.com. In lieu of flowers we are creating a living memorial to include trees and a park bench in our father’s honor. 

To donate: https://gofund.me/b2321a79