JAMES EDWARD WILSON

His Story

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that last day…”

II Timothy 4:7-8 KJV

On Wednesday evening, March 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife, Lillie, of sixty years, his family and friends, James, “Sonny,” as he was affectionately called, entered his eternal rest.

James was born the middle child of three to Jack and Etta Wilson on April 17, 1943, in Gibsland, Louisiana, a tiny little rural town in the red hills of North Louisiana. His parents, along with his two sisters, Claudia Johnson and Sandra Julian, two nephews, and a niece preceded him in death.

He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Palestine Baptist Church in Gibsland. He attended Sunday School and church services regularly. Sonny sang in the choir and even in a quartet that traveled to various churches to sing.

Receiving his elementary and high school education from Coleman High School, now Gibsland-Coleman, James was a standout athlete in basketball, football, and baseball. He was also active in the school band and choir among other activities. Upon graduating from high school, Sonny was awarded a band scholarship to Grambling College (Grambling State University) where he majored in music education and was a member of the world-famed Marching Tiger Band. He had the opportunity to play with the band at the AFL championship game in San Diego, California, He also tried his athletic skills on the baseball field for a short stint. While at Grambling, he was initiated into the Gamma Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in November of 1963. He later affiliated with the Rho Chi Chapter in Lake Charles and remained actively involved for several years.

Shortly after graduating from Grambling in 1965, James married his high school/college sweetheart, Lillie Jackson on September 5, 1965. To this union, three children were born, Edwin, Stephanie, and Jerrol. James was a loving husband and devoted father and grandfather who instilled in his children and grandchildren, as well as his nieces and nephews, the value of God, education, truthfulness, hard work, and perseverance.

Sonny’s first job took him to Vidalia, Louisiana at Concordia High school where he was the music teacher/band director. Locating closer to home, he landed another music teacher/ band director job at Hopewell High School in Dubach, Louisiana. After his wife graduated from Grambling and acquired a job in Calcasieu Parish, he joined her with getting a job as a band director and choir teacher at Mossville High School. He would go on to become band director at S. P. Arnett Junior High School, (First Black Band Director), and would later become band director at Washington High School. It was while he was at Washington High School, he initiated the flag corps and female drum majors.

In 1968 after shortly arriving in Lake Charles, he and his family united with Christian Baptist Church. He served a short while on the Board of Directors, occasionally sang in the Men’s Day Choir, and served as recreation leader for Vacation Bible School. He also provided his big cast iron barbeque pit for cooking during the Health and Resource Fair.

Later Sonny pursued and received his Masters +30 degree in Music Education from McNeese State University. Returning to McNeese again, he acquired certification in health and physical education. He taught physical education at Fisherville Elementary School and volunteered as a physical education teacher at Sacred Heart School before moving to Rosteet Junior High School as a physical education teacher and coach. He ended his coaching career at Molo Middle School where his teams excelled. He returned to school again and received certification in administration and supervision then began a new phase of his educational career as assistant principal at Molo Middle, Reynaud Middle and Lagrange Senior High Schools. He retired as principal of Molo Middle School after 47 years as an educator. Though he sometimes ruled with a stern hand, he took pride and genuine love and care in helping to shape and mold the minds of the many, many students he taught. He served the community in various other capacities. He took pride serving on the Lake Charles Municipal Fire & Police Civil Service Board.

James enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially when he was showing off his culinary skills. It was nothing for him to prepare a big spread for the staff at the schools where he worked. He especially looked forward to gathering each month for lunch or dinner with the Molo Connection, who consisted of former administrators of Ray D. Molo Middle School.

Gardening was another one of his enjoyments. It was not rare for him to have 100 tomato plants growing in his backyard along with greens, onions, beans, peppers, strawberries, grapes, and several fruit trees. He had so much crammed in the yard until his family and friends called it a jungle. Even after his physical limitations occurred, he still grew produce in pots. He loved sharing his harvest with the neighbors and friends. Fishing was another enjoyment whether he was fishing from a boat or on the bank.

When he bought his RV, this was the highlight of his dreams, especially when he tailgated at McNeese, Washington Marion, and LaGrange football games. Motoring to Grambling and tailgating at the football games was quite rewarding to him.

James’s life and legacy will live on through the hearts and minds of those who knew him as well as those whom he touched but never met. Many knew him or recognized him by his signature hat, the “Big Apple.” He had one in just about every color. As James endured some health challenges which altered his lifestyle, he did not complain. He fought a good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith.

Left in God’s care to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Lillie; his children, Edwin, Stephanie, and Jerrol; three granddaughters, Ashley, Mackenzie, and Jaydelyn; one great- granddaughter, Jewel Blu; two sisters-in-law, Georgia Brown of Carson, CA, Annie Sims of Cathedral City, CA, and Terrlyn Jackson of Harbor City, CA.; and one brother-in-law, Raymond Julian. His nieces, nephews, and cousins will also miss his advice, wit, and inspiration. His friends, neighbors, church family, former students, and co-workers will cherish the memories as well.

“If when you give the best of your service…He’ll understand and say, “Well done.”