James Phillip “Jimmy” Wilson died peacefully at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi in Oxford on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019, surrounded by family.  Jimmy courageously battled prostate cancer for twenty-five years, his resolve and will to fight never waivering, even during his last days.  All the while, Jimmy maintained a positive attitude, sense of humor, and a tremendous faith in God.  

The eldest son of the late Frank and Dorothy Wilson, Jimmy was born April 16, 1946, in Clarksdale, Miss.  Jimmy grew up in Friars Point, Miss., and graduated from Clarksdale-Coahoma High School in 1964, after being a part of two state championship baseball teams and one North Big 8 championship basketball team for the Wildcats.  Jimmy went on to graduate with a degree in accounting from Delta State University in 1968.  

On October 20, 1968, following a brief period of employment with Shell Oil Company in New Orleans, La., Jimmy accepted an offer from Mr. Hal Fiser to work in the insurance department of Fiser Insurance Agency.  On March 1, 1973, at the age of 26, Jimmy took over management of Fiser Insurance Agency.  In March 2002, Jimmy and his long-time friend and business partner, David Huggins, purchased Fiser Insurance Agency, where Jimmy continued to work with his loyal staff, and all of his customers, until his death.  A dedicated independent insurance agent for 51 years, Jimmy truly loved his work and believed in advocating on behalf of his clients and providing them the best service possible.  

Jimmy had a deep love for Clarksdale, Miss. He believed in serving his community and giving back.  Jimmy served on the board of directors of Coahoma Community College, Lee Academy, Coahoma Bank, Clarksdale Country Club, and the Delta State University advisory board, to name a few.  Jimmy loved Ole Miss and his alma mater, Delta State University, and was a generous supporter of both universities for many years.  He was a member of the Vaught Society, the leadership arm of the Ole Miss Athletics Foundation, as well as a major donor to the John Yurkow Accounting Scholarship Fund at Delta State University.  

Jimmy, also known by his friends as “Diamond,” lived life to the fullest and was an avid supporter of Ole Miss athletics, regularly attending football, baseball, and basketball games with family and friends.  Jimmy had a passion for golf, and especially cherished his golf group at the Clarksdale Country Club, where he was known as a fierce competitor and relentless scorekeeper.  Diamond loved entertaining friends and family.  He was an accomplished chef, avid gardener, and a voracious reader. Jimmy loved helping others, particularly underprivileged youth, quietly providing support to numerous organizations with missions focused on the betterment of young people.  Jimmy loved the special relationship he had with his twelve grandchildren.  Most importantly, Jimmy loved the Lord, and was a faithful member of Clarksdale United Methodist Church where he was actively involved with his church community.  Jimmy will be remembered for his competitive spirit, loyal friendship, community involvement, business acumen, sense of humor, generosity, and total devotion to his loving wife, Pam.  

Jimmy is survived by Pam, his wife of 19 years; his children, Jim Wilson, and wife, Kala, of Columbus, Miss., Greg Wilson, and wife, Tiffanie, of El Paso, Texas; his step children, Kristin McCaslin, of Little Rock, Ark., and Megan Denton (Chuck) , of Clarksdale; his grandchildren – Phillip and Mosby Wilson; Benjamin, Madelyn and Samuel Wilson; Beckett, Sam, and Molly McCaslin; and Britt, Luke, Colby, and Gabby Denton.  Jimmy is also survived by his brother, Paul Wilson (Lisa), of Gulf Breeze, Fla., as well as many special friends, including the men’s golf group at the Clarksdale Country Club and all of his friends in the Diamond Club at Swayze Field.  Jimmy was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Wilson. 

Sincere and special thanks to Dr. Oliver Sartor of New Orleans, La., Dr. Ryan Yates of Oxford, and all of his caregivers at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi in Oxford.  

A private graveside service for family was held on Monday, Oct 7, 2019, at 1:30 p.m. at Oakhurst Cemetery in Clarksdale.  Visitation was Monday, Oct. 7, 2019, at Clarksdale United Methodist Church from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. The service followed at 4 p.m. at the church. A celebration of life will follow at the church, with Brother Neville Vanderburg officiating.  Pall bearers will be Coleman Allen, Jr., David Ashcraft, Bob Bobo, III, Bo Farris, Jerry Gardner, Gerry Grant, Cliff Heaton, David Huggins, and Kirk Kincaid.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to “Tulane Cancer Center” in honor of Jimmy Wilson, c/o Oliver Sartor, M.D., Tulane Medical School, 1430 Tulane Ave., Box 8642, New Orleans, LA 70112 or to CARES Clarksdale Animal Shelter, 1645 Desoto Ave., Clarksdale, MS 38614.

Meredith-Nowell Funeral Home in Clarksdale, Miss., is in charge of arrangements.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”  2 Timothy 4:7.