James Franklin Wilson, Jr.

James (Jim) Franklin Wilson, Jr., of Decatur, Georgia, passed away in his sleep on Friday morning, November 27, 2020 at his residence.

Born March 5, 1945, in Pinehurst, NC, to his loving parents the late James Franklin Wilson, Sr., and Serena H. Wilson.  Jim grew up and attended school in Southern Pines, NC.  After Jim’s high school graduation, an inspiring teacher, Mr. Don Moore, invited Jim to work as a counselor at Camp Cherokee for Boys in Clarkesville, GA, and Jim worked there from 1966 to 1975.  Jim drove the boat and taught skiing on Lake Burton, led campouts and Appalachian Trail hikes, directed the Counselor in Training program, and became a mentor for younger counselors as well as the campers in his charge.  Throughout the rest of his life, Jim cherished the memories and photos of his camp years and gave credit to Don Moore and Jane McConnell (Jane Mac), the camp director, for having a profound influence on the course of his life.  It was also at camp where Jim met Sam White, a fellow counselor who would become Jim’s best friend for the rest of his life.

Jim served four years in the United States Air Force and following his four years of service, Jim earned his B.S. degree from Western Carolina University and in later years earned his master’s degree from Piedmont College.  In 1974, Jim accepted a position as dorm counselor, soon to become teacher (Chemistry, Physics & Biology) at Tallulah Falls School  in North Georgia near his beloved Camp Cherokee and with his friend Sam White as a colleague.  There he met another colleague, Deborah Cooper, who would become his wife of many years and later his beloved caregiver throughout the remainder of his life. 

Although on first impression Jim might have seemed to possess the gruff demeanor of a mountain man, a misleading image which he enjoyed, anyone who spent the briefest time around him realized that Jim was a gentle, sensitive, caring person—utterly non-judgmental and always finding the good in everyone he encountered.  He appreciated and respected each person he met.  Jim was loved by his family and a wide circle of friends, campers, and students whose lives he touched deeply.  Despite a number of health challenges in his later years, Jim maintained his indefatigable bright spirit and optimism and continued to be an inspiration in how to face adversity.  He lived a happy life, a good life, a giving life. 

Jim is survived by his mother, Serena H. Wilson, Gainesville, GA; brother and his wife Tom and Nancy Wilson, Gainesville, GA; nieces Suzannah Wilson of Gainesville, GA, and Elizabeth Davies of Dawsonville, GA; great nephews Cody Thompson of Gainesville, GA, Carson Thompson of Cullowhee, NC, Wilson Davies of Dawsonville, GA; great grand-niece Denver Thompson of Gainesville, GA and former spouse Deborah Cooper of Decatur, GA. 

At the family’s request, Mr. Wilson will be cremated, and because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia, the Sierra Club or your local Food Bank.

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, GA 30501, is in charge of the arrangements. 

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