James E. Wilson (69) of Effingham

James Earl Wilson, 69, of Effingham, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at Carle FoundationHospital in Urbana, Illinois, surrounded by loved ones.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 17 at Johnson Funeral Home inEffingham. Visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday prior to the service at the funeralhome. Memorials may be made to Carle Foundation Hospital Guest House. Online condolences may be left by clicking here. www.johnsonandsonsfh.com

James was born August 12, 1952, in Wynne, Arkansas, the son of J.E. and Juanita (Cole) Wilson. Hemarried Donna J. Verdeyen on August 4, 1973. James attended Newton High School and graduated in 1970. He worked for World Color Press until retirement in 2003. After retirement he would joke that he was now employed as a full-time lawn man for his wife Donna at their home. He enjoyed classic car shows where he showed his 1965 Ford Mustang and spent time with the “old guys with Hot Rods.” He also enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and grandchildren. He liked driving around his “farm” in the golf cart with the grandkids, making homemade wine, and producing artwork on computer.

James is survived by his wife, Donna Wilson of Effingham; children Christy (Keith) Harris of Effingham,Jimmy (Sara) Wilson of Effingham, and Tim (Colin) Wilson of Monterey, CA; grandchildren, KendraWeaver, Jacob Weaver, Maci Wilson, and Layni Wilson; siblings, Rita (Butch) Hedrick, Laurie (Ross)Wellman, Natalie (Tom) Sherwood, Jane (Keith) Schenk, Betsy (Dave) Oseland, and Frankie Lemar;stepmother, Vivene Wilson; and sister-in-law, Jami “Honey” Wilson.

He was preceded in death by his father, J.E. Wilson; mother, Juanita Franke and stepfather, Irl; andbrothers, Tommy Wilson and Jamie Wilson.