James R. 
(Jim) Wilson

James R. (Jim) Wilson, 63, of Newton, Iowa, died Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010, at the V.A. Medical Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota, after a courageous battle with A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig’s disease). The funeral mass will be on Wednesday, October 20, 2010, at 10:30 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton, Iowa. Burial will be at the Newton Union Cemetery with military honors presented by the American Legion and V.F.W. and graveside rites performed by Fr. William Reynolds. A visitation with the family will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 19, in the gathering space of Sacred Heart Church with a parish vigil service to follow at 7p.m.

Jim was born November 15, 1946, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of the late Gehl Edward Wilson and Paula Maxine Beatty Wilson. He graduated from Dysart High School in 1964; received his B.A. from the University of Iowa; and Juris Doctorate from Drake University Law School.

Jim married Karen McNeer on June 2, 1990, and made his home in Newton, Iowa. They later divorced.

He is survived by his son, Aaron James Wilson, and his ex-wife, Karen Wilson, who cared for him during his terminal illness; his sister, Barbara (Paul) Glombowski; his brothers, Thomas (Cindy) Wilson of Dysart, Iowa; Larry (Chris) Wilson of Altoona, Iowa; and Richard (Sharon) Wilson of Ames, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gehl Edward Wilson.

Jim was a former Jasper County Attorney and spent many years in private practice. He served two years in the United States Army and received the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Expert Badge.

Jim was a member of the United Methodist Church and later became a Catholic and joined the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton, Iowa.

Jim enjoyed staying in shape and swam over a mile a day for over 20 years. He loved attending his son’s sporting activities, coached his soccer team for several years and was especially proud watching his son play football for the Newton Cardinals.

Jim was an outstanding cook and enjoyed cooking many special meals for family and friends. He is especially remembered for his Sunday dinners and pies. Jim’s tradition with his son, Aaron, was to visit the apple orchard in the Fall and pick bushels of apples to share with family and friends as he was a very generous man.

Jim loved to tease and engage in playful banter and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to The A.L.S. Association in Jim’s name and may be left at the Church.