James E. Wilson, 73, Royal Center, passed away at 9:45 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, at Millerâs Merry Manor in Logansport.
Born Jan. 3, 1936, in Cass County, Ind., he was the son of Elmer Wilson and Irene Taylor.
Jim was a graduate of the Indiana Barber College of Indianapolis in 1955, and he owned and operated Wilsonâs Barber Shop in Logansport until he retired in 1997.
Jim was a U.S. Army veteran. He was a member of Tipton Masonic Lodge #33, Murat Temple of Indianapolis, Logansport Shrine Club, American Legion Post #60, and Elks Lodge #66. He also served on the Indiana Standardbred Advisory Board.
Jim graduated from Washington Township High School in 1954, where he excelled as an athlete in basketball and softball. He and his Father Elmer, Uncle Oliver, and Brother Gordon were avid harness horse enthusiasts. They bred and trained horses in Cass County and had several winning race horses throughout the years.
Survivors include companion, Dee Layer, Royal Center; daughter, Diane Smith and husband Patrick, Brighton, Mich.; brother, Gordon Wilson, Logansport; sister, Marjorie Sailors, Logansport; Grandson, Zachary Smith, Brighton, Mich.; and the extended family of Dee Layer.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Kistler Cemetery near Royal Center.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or The American Cancer Society.
Gundrum Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
The guest book may be signed and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.gundrumfuneralhome.com.