James David Wilson

James “Jack” David Wilson, 93, of Kokomo, Indiana passed into glory October 1, 2024, at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Caleb and Mary Carpenter Best, and Jeremiah (Jerry) M. and Nancy Elizabeth (Lane) Wilson, and his parents, John Willard and Blanche Best Wilson, all of Maryville, Tennessee. Also, preceded in death by his wife, Carol Joan Davis Wilson; brothers and sisters, Willard, Frank, Leon, Jerry, Pauline, Elizabeth, Irene, Joyce and his favorite niece, Virginia (Ginny) L. Wilson. Papaw Jack’s family has deep Tennessee roots. The Wilson’s were designated as a First Families of Tennessee by the East Tennessee Historical Society. That designation comes to the direct descendants of those who settled in Tennessee prior to statehood, June 1, 1796. Records show that Ancestor Robert Wilson purchased land in Blount County in 1782.

Papaw Jack is survived by his children, David (Cindy) Wilson, Maryville; grandsons, namesake -James (Jack) David Wilson and his wife, Katie, Santa Clarita, California, Major Robb (Kayla) Wilson, USAF Las Vegas, Nevada; great-grandsons, Boden James Wilson and Cade Patrick Wilson. Marcia (Richard) Sandy; grandson, Richard (Becca) Sandy III; great-granddaughters, Kylie, Kelsey and Emilee. Lori Floyd; grandson, Nick (Ana) Floyd; great-grandsons, Henry Floyd and Samuel Floyd; granddaughter, Kaitlin Floyd, who was dearly loved and cherished by her Mamaw and Papaw Wilson.

Papaw Jack moved his mother, a brother, and sister to Kokomo, Indiana after the death of his father during his junior year at Everett High School. He graduated from Kokomo High School while working at Chrysler. He served in the United States Marine Corps (Korea Era) and took care of his mother. He retired from Chrysler Corporation after 38 years of service. He spent many mornings visiting with friends and retirees of Chrysler at McDonald’s on Sycamore. 

Papaw Jack will always be in the hearts and minds of his children, grandchildren, and his four great-grandsons and three great-granddaughters. He loved to spend time with his family. Great memories of breakfasts of biscuits and sausage gravy, playing cards or spoons, family wiffle ball games in the backyard, going into Papaw’s workshop getting a hands-on education of tools and saws, shooting BB guns at targets in the backyard, and climbing the family favorite tree. He was very proud of all his grandchildren and especially proud of being able to attend the graduation of Jack Wilson and Nick Floyd, cousins who graduated together from Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee. He was also proud to attend the graduation of grandson, Robb from the United States Air Force Academy. The only granddaughter, Kaitlin (Katydid) Floyd stole Papaw Jack’s heart. She graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University and was a faithful and loving companion to her Papaw!

Visitation will take place from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm on October 11, 2024, at Ellers Mortuary, 3400 S. Webster St., Kokomo, Indiana with the funeral service at 1:00 pm. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, Kokomo, Indiana.