James Wilson

Sunday, November 11, 2007 2:04 AM MST

CASPER -- Services for James Findley "Pop" Wilson, 90, are pending awaiting the arrival of all his children. A military burial and Masonic Graveside Services will be held in Jasper, Texas, at a later date.

He died Nov. 7,m 2007, at Wyoming Medical Center following surgery for a broken hip.

He was born Oct. 23, 1917 in Arkansas and raised in Texas.

He met the love of his life and married Willie Mae Williams on Oct. 2, 1948. They spent many happy years together until she passed away in 1996.

He joined the Marines and served in Japan during WWII. He was honorably discharged and returned to Texas to raise his family. He moved his family to Casper in 1960.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and eating fresh bread. Most of his life was spent working in road construction. His skills with heavy machinery are evident in most all the major highways in and out of the state and in and around Casper. He enjoyed working for Rissler & McMurry, McMurry Brothers and Forgey Construction. There wasn't anyone better at putting the finishing touches on the road.

He was most proud of serving his country as a Marine and his membership in the Masons of Casper Lodge No. 15 AF&AM of Wyoming.

He and his wife loved children and have the distinct honor of having help raise over 250 foster children of all races. They were known to the Welfare Agency and Police Department as a "safe house" to take children, at all hours of the day and night, in the early emergency stages of a child's needs.

Survivors include his daughters, Clemmie Bolenbaugh of Texas; Shirley Trimmer and husband of Casper; sons, Ken Wilson, Wayne Wilson and Ron Wilson of Casper; Jamie Wilson of Texas; seven grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Disabled Veterans and/or Masonic Service Association.

Newcomer Family Funeral Home is in charge of cremation.