James Wilson Jr.

June 25, 1924 - Febrruary 5, 2021

JAMES WILSON, JR. June 25, 1924 – February 5, 2021 James (Jim) Wilson, Jr., of Bridgeton, NJ, and formerly of Davenport, Fl, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, February 5, 2021, at the home of his stepchildren and caregivers, Gary, Brenda and Matthew Hewitt. Jim was born in Camden, NJ, on June 25, 1924. He was the youngest child and only son of James Sr., and Gertrude (Prickett). His sisters, Elizabeth, Gertrude, Thelma, Edith and Mae, all pre-deceased him.

Jim joined the Navy in 1942 and served until 1950. In 1944 Jim was assigned to Atlantic duty as a cook on the USS Wilhoite DE 397 out of Charleston, SC. The Wilhoite received the Presidential Citation for being instrumental in forcing the complete withdrawal of enemy subs from supply routes. When Jim re-enlisted in 1946 he was assigned to the Franklin D. Roosevelt and left for the Pacific Theatre. During his time in the Navy he traveled to Casablanca, Tunisia, Pearl Harbor, Saipan, Marcus Island, Pagan Island, Iwo Jima, and the Panama Canal.

Jim retired from Owens Illinois in 1985 and in 1986, he moved to Florida with his companion, Geneva Bodine. While in Florida he was very active in the VFW Post 6931, where he served as a trustee. He was always available to help at the post in whatever capacity he was needed. He was in charge of the "Recycling Cans" project, which earned many dollars for the post. He was also a devoted member of Bridgeton Elks Lodge, #733 for many years. He looked forward to attending the convention every summer in Wildwood and raising money for the crippled children's fund. In 2010 they returned to NJ and lived with Geneva's daughter, Brenda, and her family.

Jim enjoyed listening and dancing to all different types of music. His favorite two musicians were Glen Miller and Elvis Presley. He also loved outings to the Casinos and going to all the local crab feasts in the summertime. His favorite pastime was watching General Hospital and listening to Sean Hanity. He loved the Phillies and Eagles and spent numerous hours cheering them on.

Jim is survived by his son, James (Jimmy) Wilson, III, of Medina, Ohio. He is also survived by his step-children, Brenda (Gary) Hewitt, Carol (Tom) Tanimae and Mariann Bodine. He was affectionately known as "Jimbo" to his grandchildren Brandon Tanimae, Lindsey (Jason) Dembkoski, Richard Paul Bodine, Andrew Bodine, Brent (Teri) Bodine, Faith Bodine, Melissa (Matt) Hitchner, Michael (Beth) Hewitt and Matthew Hewitt, whom he called his Buddy. Jimbo also had 15 great grandchildren, Alexandria and Bridget Hitchner, Will, John, Dan and Michael Hewitt, Caden and Cole Dembkoski, Richard, Jack, Evan and Drew Bodine, Jacob, Joshua and Ellie Bodine. He also had a close bond with Cindy Marley, who he thought of as a granddaughter. Besides his parents and sisters, he was pre-deceased by his companion of 38 years, Geneva Bodine and step-children, Richard Bodine and Walt and Chris Bodine.

At his request, a private service will be held at the Cumberland County Veteran's Cemetery where his ashes will be interred. Memories and condolences may be shared @ancscremation.com