James F. Wilson

James F. Wilson, 76, of Worcester, passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Rose Monahan Hospice Residence after several years of battling pancreatic cancer. His wife and best friend of fifty-five years, Sharon R. (LaViolette) Wilson, predeceased him in December of 2022.

James was born in Worcester, son of the late, Richard A. and Doris K. (Wood) Wilson, and has lived here all his life, with great pride. He graduated from Saint Stephen’s High School and later proudly served his country in the United States Army, including his service in Vietnam.

James is survived by a daughter, Kimberly A. Wilson and her long-time partner Steve Perez of Worcester; two sons, Richard B. Wilson of Worcester, and Benjamin J. Wilson and his wife Stacy of Auburn; three grandchildren, Morgan T. Wilson, Steve Perez, Jr., and Hunter J. Wilson. He is also survived by a brother, Thomas Wilson and his wife Diane of Rutland; two sisters, Doris Ann Grant and her husband Frank of Greensboro, NC, and Linda Smith and her husband Gary of Ashford, CT, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother and a sister, Richard Wilson, Jr. and Kathryn Smyth. 

James, much like his beloved wife, had an incredible work ethic showcased by his long career with the City of Worcester DPW, where he worked for 49 years in the sanitation department, before retiring in 2021. He also worked as a custodian and maintenance supervisor at Temple Beth Israel in Worcester for 20 years. 

Above all, James loved his family more than life itself. He spent over 70 summers with generations of the Wilson family at their beachside escape in Brewster, MA. His fondest memories came from the simple joy of searching for sea glass along the shore. Whether it was shouting 'that’s far enough' or sharing his unmatched sense of humor, you always knew when Jimmy, Bim, Larry, or Pip was around. One of the toughest men the Wilson family ever knew, he loved his brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren, extended family, and especially his beloved 'Shay' with all his heart. His love and humor have left a legacy that we hope to carry on for generations to come.

Calling Hours will be on Thursday, October 10, from 4 pm until 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. His Funeral will be on Friday, October 11, from the funeral home, departing at 9:40 am in procession to a 10 am Funeral Mass at Saint John’s Church, 44 Temple Street, Worcester. Interment will follow at Saint John’s Cemetery in Worcester.