James Ronald Wilson was born December 8, 1966 in Buffalo, New York. He was the fourth of five children born to mother, Marylin Angel Wilson and the second child to James Raleigh Gardener. James spent his early childhood in Buffalo, NY and then later moved to Cleveland, OH when he was 16 years old.
James’ mother passed away when he was 16, and he was then raised by his aunt, Donna Marie Smith McAdory. He loved to play football at West Tech High School where he also graduated from.
After graduating, James went to the United States Marine Corps. While in the Marines, he met Sandra Wright, the mother of his oldest son. From this union, Jamaal Wilson was born in Oceanside, California at Camp Pendleton.
James served in the Persian Gulf War and was promoted to Sergeant while serving from April 19, 1986 to December 15, 1997. He also served two months in the United States Army in 1985. After retiring early from the Marines, James began working as a car salesman. He greatly enjoyed nice cars and running marathons.
While in California, James met the mother of his youngest two sons, Lisa Pinkey-Coleman. From this union, Tyler Wilson and Justin Wilson were born.
James, Lisa and his two youngest sons moved to Atlanta, GA. James found employment at Home Depot Corporate as a human resources lead for multiple years and received many awards and acknowledgements for his hard work.
James is survived by his beloved sons, Jamaal, Tyler and Justin; cherished sisters, Stacey R. Nettles and Tia Moore and loving brothers, Adrian R. Wilson and Darnell R. Wilson.