Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

To know him was to love him and there was always an interesting conversation to be held by him abut his life experiences. Known to walk the streets of downtown Beckley, WV was James Lewis Wilson, born and raised in Sprague, WV. He died Tuesday, June 15, 2021 and never met a stranger that he did not feel comfortable striking up a conversation up with. James “Big Jim” Wilson was the eighth child born to Maggie Lawson Wilson and Matthew Wilson. He made a career of being a professional truck driver for Jan Campbell Piano’s Inc. for several years and was later hired as a fruit and produce delivery driver with Crooks Produce Inc. “Big Jim” as he was affectionately called was employed for over 30 years with Crooks Produce. He was the first African American male to be employed with Crooks Produce. Mr. Wilson helped pave the way for many African American males in the Raleigh County area to be considered for employment many years ago and for this we say “Hallelujah”.

James was educated in Sprague, WV also known as North Beckley. His eight siblings and adopted brother Richard, Nettie (Yvonne), Mary, Jairus, Katherine, David and Henry proceeded him in death as well as his oldest daughter, Wanda of Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Wilson leaves to cherish his memory his three loving children, Jamie Penn (Rodney Petty) and Lisa Penn-Brooks, both of Roanoke, VA, James Penn of Mabscott, WV; also his pride and joy, granddaughters, Anntoinette, Desirae, Alexis, Amiyah and grandson, Larell, that he talked about all the time. The family would like to publicly thank his nephews who helped take care of their uncle James over the years, Ronnie, Orlando, Jarvis and Dennis. May the Lord bless you exceedingly. Mr. Wilson also leaves behind a host of numerous nieces and nephews who traveled both near and far and his acquaintances from the Raleigh County Commission on Aging to celebrate his Homegoing Service; a special thanks to the Stonerise Nursing Facility for their special care for him.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Friday, June 25, 2021 at the Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor Chapel 748 S. Fayette St. Beckley with Rev. John Burdette officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park Beckley.

Friends, while wearing gloves and masks and observing social distancing, may view one hour prior to the service.

Email condolences to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.