James "Wilburn" Wilson |

MARCH 28, 1926 – JULY 30, 2022

Obituary

James “Wilburn” Wilson, age 96, of Nacogdoches, Texas passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2022, in Nacogdoches. He was born March 28, 1926, in the Shady Grove community of Nacogdoches County to parents Alves Cecil Wilson and Velma (Avery) Wilson.

Growing up on a farm, Mr. Wilson attended Shady Grove and Nacogdoches High School before being drafted by the United States Army in World War II in 1944. He had a distinguished military career, earning a WWII Victory Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Service Medals, Good Conduct Medal, Army Occupation Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and a Presidential Unit Citation. After his military service, Wilburn worked for Nibco for over 25 years and later worked for Foretravel until his retirement.

Wilburn was an avid racecar driver. His racecar named “Spooky” earned him many trophies and accolades. He enjoyed attending and competing in antique car shows, winning many of the contests in those as well. He also enjoyed competitive archery, gun clubs, and boating with his family on Sam Rayburn Lake. He was a member of the VFW, Fredonia Hill Baptist Church, and Old North Church.

Mr. Wilson was a strong-willed, independent man. He was a handyman with a mechanic mind who could build or repair anything. He could fix any car and would work on his family’s vehicles. He liked being outside and active. He stayed healthy by walking 3 miles per day after his retirement. He purchased a bicycle at 85 and was even mowing his own yard up until a couple of months before his passing.

Wilburn was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rosene Wilson; and brother, Troyis D. Wilson.

He is survived by his sister, Hazel Burrows; daughter, Brenda Wilson Borens and husband David; granddaughter, Tiffany Borens; grandson, Zachary Borens; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A visitation will be held Saturday, August 6, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, 5400 North St, Nacogdoches, Texas 75965, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Dan Peppard, Mike Wilson, Taylor Wilson, Johnny Robinson, Randy Higginbotham, and Zachary Borens.