WEST MINERAL — James, (Jim), Leroy Wilson, 82 of West Mineral, Kansas, formerly from McCune, Kansas entered eternal rest on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at 3:24 pm. He passed comfortably with mind at ease surrounded by his loving family.
Jim was born Oct. 8,1943 in Camp White, Oregon to Lyman E. Wilson and Moauna D. (Allen), Wilson. He attended McCune Elementary School and graduated from McCune High School in 1961. Jim continued his education at Coffeyville Community College on a track scholarship and then on to the University of Missouri – Columbia where he competed as part of the 1965 Indoor Track and Field National Championship team. There Jim graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry.
Jim proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.
Jim married Rose Marie (Perello) Wilson on May 30, 1970, at St. Rose Catholic Church in Columbus, Kansas. They have resided in West Mineral ever since.
Jim held multiple positions through the years at Goodrich in Miami, Oklahoma, Kansas Army Ammunition plant in Parsons, Kansas as well as Crossland Construction in Columbus, Kansas, retiring in 2008. Jim was a proud member of the Fraternal order of Eagles Aerie #918 in West Mineral, Kansas for over 55 years. He was proudly inducted into the Kansas State Hall of Fame for having been a loyal and active member of his Aerie with outstanding service to the Fraternal Order of Eagles in June 2020.
