James L. 'Jim' Wilson

James Lyle "Jim" Wilson, 68, of Monticello passed away January 11, 2017 at his residence. James was born August 21, 1948 in Chicago at Roseland Community Hospital to the late Frank and Dolores (Nelson) Wilson. The Wilson family made Mount Greenwood, which is on the far southwest side of Chicago, their home for many years to come.Jim attended Annie Keller Elementary School through the 6th grade and then was transferred to the Mount Greenwood Elementary School main building for 7th and 8th grade. For high school, he decided on Luther High School South for 3 years and then transferred for 1 year to Central YMCA High School and College in downtown Chicago from which he graduated.After graduation, he worked 3 years as an auto mechanic. In 1969, he was drafted into the Army. Scoring high on a mechanical ability test, the Army offered him training on helicopters in return for an additional year of service. Jim agreed and spent one extra year in the service serving in South Korea as a helicopter repairman. Following his 3 year stint in the Army, Jim was honorably discharged and went back to being an auto mechanic eventually ending up at Hubbard Chevrolet and Cadillac in Monticello. In 1978, he changed jobs and went to work for McGill Manufacturing Inc. He started out as a machine operator helper then actual machine operator. He progressed to trainer for a short time and was eventually promoted to supervisor. He worked the midnight shift followed by the afternoon shift. He remained a supervisor until his retirement in 2012. He was a member of the American Legion and the Monticello Christian Church.He is survived by his wife, Sandy; a son, Jim Wilson of Scottsdale, AZ; stepdaughter, Chris Barnes; and grandchildren, Kelsey and Keith Barnes.Visitation will be on Sunday, January 15, 2017 from noon until the time of services at 2pm celebrating Jims life at Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home of Monticello. Rev. Chris Dodson of the Monticello Christian Church will officiate services.Burial will follow at Riverview I.O.O.F. Cemetery with full military rites rendered there.Memorial contributions may be given to the Monticello Veterans Honor Guard with envelopes available at the funeral home.Messages of condolence may be extended at www.springerfuneralhome.com