James (Jim) Marion Wilson, aged 65, passed away comfortably in his home in Grand Rapids, Michigan on 04/27/2019 with his immediate family surrounding him. Jim was born on February 1st, 1954 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Tom and Patty Wilson. Spending his formative years in Warren, OH, Jim was the third of eight children. Upon receiving his B.A. in Economics at The University of Notre Dame, and Masters at The George Washington University, Jim embarked on a fulfilling career in Healthcare Administration totaling over 40 years. His professional journey began on the Jersey Shore in L.B.I., later taking him to Philadelphia, Long Island, and eventually Western Michigan. Jim enjoyed many passions in life, among those being golf, Notre Dame football, fine Irish whiskeys, the family’s late yellow lab Molly, and coaching his children in various sports throughout their lives. Above all though, Jim’s greatest passion was his family. During his time in the Philadelphia area, Jim met his loving wife, Randi, formerly Randi Gaydos. In addition to Randi, Jim is survived by his five children, Jimmy, Erin, Ryan, Kelly, and Meghan, his two son-in-laws Chris Koontz and Capt. Michael Falvey, his grandchildren Wilson and Nolan Koontz, and Frances Falvey, his seven siblings Thomas, Michael, Mary Pat, Terry, Katherine, Patrick and Kevin, and his mother and father-in-law Aggie and Don Gaydos.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 2 from 2-4p.m. and 6-8p.m at O’Brien-Egeebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI with a Vigil Service at 3:50 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, May 3 at 11a.m. at St. Roberts of Newminster, 6477 Ada Dr SE, Ada, MI, with Rev. Leonard Sudlik presiding.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Catholic Central High School, 319 Sheldon Blvd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or Children’s Healing Center, 1530 Fulton Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
32 Responses
A beautiful man with a wonderful heart. He will be dearly missed by all those that knew him!
The Mancinelli Family is so honored to have known Jim and have the Wilson family as next door neighbors for many years. It was a joy watching him outside playing sports with the kids over the years…..always so proud. Always. The love, pride and dedication for his family was always beaming from his face.
We will all miss this man. He was always so nice to our children and talking to them about the sports they play….very caring for so many.
Randi and kids, you were all his pride and joy. God bless. Love to you all.
We are so saddened by the news of Jim’s passing. He was such a wonderful man and we are so blessed to have been a small part of his life. He always packed a lot of love and smiles into all he did and he will be sorely missed. Prayers for you all in what we know is a most devastating time. Love you all. Deb & Bob Simon
Thoughts and Prayers to the entire Wilson family. Big Jim was a great man and had an exquisite taste in college football (Go Irish!). Glad I was able to meet him and get to know the family that loves him.
Jim, I will miss you.
Well done my good and faithful servant.
Randi and Family, I am praying for Jesus’ Mercy to surround and enfold all of you.
God Bless,
Mary Hendrickson
Jim was a kind and loving man who is now in God’s Eternal Kingdom. Our prayers go out to his wife Randi and children Jimmy, Erin,Ryan, Kelly and Megan as they grieve this great loss. Until we meet again Jim….
I am so saddened by this news. Sending love and hugs to all of you.
Gretchen & Bill Thompson
Randi and family – Jim was a special guy, taken from you all, and us, way too soon. My daughters, Maria and Lisa, who as high schoolers, worked with Jim during summer breaks, and I as a physician at SOCH ( who says doctor’s and administrators can’t get along and even like each other?) share many wonderful memories of Jimfrom early in his career both at Memorial Hospital in Mt. Holly, NJ and Southern Ocean County Hospital in Manahawkin, NJ. God bless and receive you Jim and RIP.
Ed Wilson
Wellington, FL
I had the privilege and pleasure of knowing Jim both professionally and personally during his time in New Jersey. Jim’s abilities, amiability and integrity were everything one could wish for in a co-worker. I very pleasantly recall how at the end of the long work week, he and I were part of the group that enjoyed sailing our Hobie Cats off LBI or having fun just hanging out. I am sure that everyone who worked with or socialized with Jim will have nothing but very fond memories of him. Our deepest condolences go out to his family.
Our heartfelt condolences to Randi and the kids on Jim’s passing. He waged a good battle and left us too soon. God bless and welcome him! Sincerely,
Kevin & Kathy Ecclesine
My heart goes out to Randi and the Wilsons. Jim was a wonderful man. May you find comfort in your memories.
John and Mary Catherine Mahon
Dear Randy, Michael and I are so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. Our prayers and loving thoughts go out to you and your family.
The Andwood Family sends love and condolences. Even though we haven’t seen each other since your Jersey days, we always thought of Jim and the Wilson family often and with fond memories. May God Bless and comfort all of you during this sad time.
XO Maureen and Bob
Ok I’m early from warren in jimmy s life. The wilsons and McGuire’s each had 8 kids. Competition anyone?? My best Nd story is jimmy or mike Mokris would drive all we warrenites after thanksgiving and several times Jim made game time decision to pull into hotel because it was too dangerous to travel. I hope jimmy is tipping a pint with Pattie and Tom in their speedos in the caribbean . To randi and the children spouses and grand bubbles. May the wind be always at your backs. Lots of love. Molly Mcguire.
My prayers are with you Randi and family. Jim was a great person and Chris, Emily and I are fortunate to have known him. God Bless.
Jim was an awesome guy, loved getting to know him at the Marquette Lacrosse tailgates, always had so many laughs together. Love the Wilson family so much, sending my thoughts & prayers to you all. XOXOX
Our sincere condolences on your family’s loss. Jim was a man of great character and he loved you all so very much. May the many beautiful memories you created together, along with all of our prayers, sustain you as you grieve Jim’s passing.
With much love,
Susan & Tom
We are saddened by the news of Jim’s passing. He was a very special faithful, kind, and great family man who left a beautiful legacy. He will be missed by many who knew him. The Lord called him home at a very special season of Easter Hope. Our thoughts and prayers to the entire Wilson Family. God Bless you all.
Dearest Randi and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. We are distraught and heart broken for you all. Jim was the consummate “great guy”.
We will cherish our last meeting with Jim at Erin’s beach house in Fairfield where he briefly converted to a “Stag” when Ryan was attending Fairfield U. As a Notre Dame fan, he was a model for team/school spirit.
Above all, he loved our dear Randi with all his heart, and then some… and completely adored his growing family.
He will forever be in your lives as he will walk along side you in life.
With love, hugs and tears,
Michele Cashman – Fendler and Gary Fendler
The world has lost one of the good ones. May you now be at peace Jim. To Randi and family I send my love and prayers to get through this devastating loss. With love, Cathy Haenlein
Dear Tom and Family,
Diane and I send our sincere condolences on the loss of your Brother James. He will be in our prayers and you will too. May he Rest In Peace and sing with the angels in the arms of our Christ.
Ed and Diane
Warren, Ohio
Jim and Randi were the first to welcome us to Grand Rapids. They helped make the transition just a little bit easier by being present. We offer our healing prayers to the Wilson family. Jim had a very kind heart and gentle spirit. He will be missed.
I am so proud to have been able to call Jim my boss. He always made a point to say hi to all of us employees whenever he came down to the donation floor. It will be extremely weird and sad to not have him accompany us to MIS for our big blood drive and watch him thank countless donors and staff for coming out that day. RIP Jim. You will truly be missed by all of us.
I did not know Jim very well, But, The time that I did talk with him he seemed like a caring person. He generally wanted to get to know all of us here not just as employees but as people on a personal level as well. My heart goes out to his friends and family. He will be missed.
My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to Jim’s family. We definitely have lost a great man! I worked with Jim at Mary Free Bed in HR while he was there and learned a lot about his entire family. He was very proud of all his children and spoke of them often. He also always had wonderful things to say about his loving wife.
Years later, we connected again at Michigan Blood. I began working here in July 2017 and once again was able to see Jim and reminisce about changes that had occurred in our lives after he left MFB. One of the things I will always remember is that Jim loved my Italian Cannoli that I would bring in to work around the holidays and share with him. He would get them when we both worked at MFB and I shared them with him again once I started working at Michigan Blood. He said he had missed them after he left MFB and was really happy to see that I was now working with him again so he could once again indulge in the wonderful treat!! I was really happy to share them with him once again!
Jim will be missed by all who knew and worked with him. Heaven has gained an Angel to watch over all of us. God Bless you Jim!!
Dear Randi and Family,
Jeannine and I are so saddened by the news of Jim’s passing. He was such a special person – kind, generous, fun and loving. He helped us through a difficult time many years ago for which we will be eternally grateful. We know he is at peace in heaven now, and just wish you all the strength and faith right now. We send our prayers and our love.
Sincerely,
Chris & Jeannine Richey
Randy and family, I was so saddened by the news. Jim was a good friend a good leader and just an overall amazing man! He loved his family and he loved his friends. He will be so dearly missed. My love and prayers to you at this time.
Randi and family, I was so saddened by the news. Jim was a good friend a good leader and just an overall amazing man! He loved his family and he loved his friends. He will be so dearly missed. My love and prayers to you at this time.
Kathryn Zagel
Dear Pitty and Wilson Clan,
You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.Your brother Jimmy was such a special guy. God bless all of you. God bless Jimmy’s family.
Love,
Cindy Schirack Samolczyk
Jim was a great person. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayer to all that will feel his loss.
Kim McCoy
Dear Randi & Family,
So many happy memories of Jim at Memorial Hospital in Mt. Holly.
I had the pleasure to be a part of his team during what I believe was the “heyday” of MHBC history. He had an exceptional administrative staff and the best medical team, and he knew how to keep the peace between the two. He was a great leader. And what I remember most of Jim, is his smile and laughter. We all worked hard, but we laughed even harder.
Sincerely,
Bernadette McAneney-Harris
So very sorry for your loss.
Thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. The Wilson’s and Crouses had may get togethers in Warren Ohio.
Always a great time.