James Arnel Wilson, 80, of Vanceburg, passed away Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at his home.

Born in Lewis County on September 19, 1943, he was one of four children of the late Willard Wilson and the late Cloma Blevins Wilson.

After completing second grade at Kinniconick, James' family moved to Elliott County where he completed eighth grade at Bruin Elementary School.  In 1962 he graduated Sandy Hook High School and moved back to Lewis County in 1963.

James made his living for 30 years at Carpenter Motors / Maysville Chrysler in Maysville as an auto technician.  He felt the call to preach so he took classes from Summit Theological Seminary in Peru, Indiana.  On September 20, 1997, he graduated with a diploma of Biblical Studies.    He preached at South Portsmouth Christian Church for two years and went on to preach at Tilton Christian Church for 25 years until his retirement in 2021.  He was the song leader using PowerPoint at Aills Christian Church, filled in for different preachers at Sand Hill Christian, Martin Christian and "supply preached" for November and December at Concord Christian Church.

James enjoyed drawing, painting, and making crafts.  James was a fixer with nothing at his house that was too big or too small to fix.

He will sadly be missed but he went on to his reward.  He finished the course and won the race.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jane Porter Wilson; his two children, Diana Parker and Mike Wilson; six grandkids he adored, Noah Wilson, Johnna Wilson, Samuel Wilson, Marley Wilson, Greenleigh Parker, and Andrew Parker.

In addition to his parents Willard and Cloma, James was preceded in death by his two sisters, Christine Montieth and Wilma Scott; and his brother, Johnny Wilson.

The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m., Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at the Tilton Christian Church with Rev. Greg Powell officiating.

James will be laid to rest in Porter Family and Friends Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Noah Wilson, Samuel Wilson, Andrew Parker, Mike Johnson, Kenneth Johnson, Kent Stanfield, and Dustin Hawkins.  Honorary pallbearers include, Johnna Wilson, Greenleigh Parker, Marley Wilson, Eddie Porter, Mikey Setters, Justin Ingram, and Fred Rose.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, at the church.

Boone-Nickell Funeral Home is caring for James and his family.

Friends may offer online condolences at www.boonenickellfuneralhome.com