James H. Wilson, Jr., 97, of Summerville, South Carolina, formerly of Vernon, CT passed away on April 28, 2026. Born on April 14, 1929, in Yorktown, NY to James H. and Charlotte (Bixby) Wilson, he was the seventh of eight children.

He will be missed by his wife, Nancy (53 years); stepson Randy Cartier and wife Amy (South Windsor, CT); granddaughter Lindsey (Boston, MA); extended family, Ted & Diane Baricak, Lea & Andre Santiago, numerous great grandchildren as well as dear friends in CT and SC. He truly loved to be called "GRAMPA".

He was pre-deceased by his parents, a brother George who was killed in military service in Canada. A brother Robert and three sisters, Florence Warner of TX and Charlena Avery of CT, and June Doyle of Dunsford, Canada his stepson Scott Cartier & daughter in law Diane Cartier and granddaughter Nicole Cartier. He is survived by two sisters, Edith Smith of CA, Lilllan Whitaker of CT and several children.

Jim served 7 years in the United States Air Force, following in his brother's footsteps rapidly rising from Private to Sergeant in 14 months. He was an aerial photographer while serving and was stationed in Fontainebleau, France where he was assigned to document items of historical value to assist the US National Archives. Further assignments took him to Belgium, Holland and Germany. In the States, he was assigned to Westover Air Force Base as well as Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, OH.

Jim was a 50-year member of Friendship Tuscan Lodge #145 of Manchester, CT having been elected Master twice (1982 and 2009). He was raised in 1975, presented the Craftsman of the Year Award, the Masters Award in 1984, 1988, and 1992. Jim also received the Pierpoint Edward Medal in Bronze, the highest honor bestowed upon a member.

Jim was known to always lend a hand and help those in need. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels, Masonic coach to new members, was an avid bird watcher, loved his cat Pierre ( 20 yrs) and enjoyed the neighborhood gatherings with friends.

Jim had a career in sales, specializing in the heating and air conditioning field. He retired in 1994 from the former CT Refining Company of West Haven, CT having worked for several major contractors.

Jim's hobbies included woodworking, gardening, and photography. He restored cars ('48 Willy's Overland Jeepster), Chris Craft mahogany speedboat as well as various pieces of furniture. Jim enjoyed researching his ancestry and was a registered genealogist in CT

A Memorial Service / Celebration of Life will be held later. Burial will be at Carey Cemetery in Canterbury, CT.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jim's name to Masonic Charity Foundation of CT (Masonicare): https://www.masonicare.org/support-masonicare/donate-now or CT Children's Foundation https://www.connecticutchildrensfoundation.org/ways-give

The family wishes to thank the Veterans Victory House in Walterboro, SC for the compassionate care they provided.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 869 St. James Ave, PO Box 247, Goose Creek, SC 29445, 843-553-1511.