Posted by Terry Powers on August 18, 2023:

His Memorial on Find-A-Grave: James Alexander Willson BIRTH 21 Aug 1926 DEATH 9 Jun 2023 (aged 96) BURIAL United States Military Academy Post Cemetery West Point, Orange County, New York, USA (per his obit : Jim will be buried at West Point with full military honors) MEMORIAL ID 258025512 USMA Class of 1949 - West Point Mr. James A. Willson III Cullum:16820 Class:'49 Cadet Company:F1 Date of Birth:August 21, 1926 Date of Death:July 9, 2023 Gravesite Details Jim will be buried at West Point with full military honors Family Members Parents Thomas Reed Willson 1891--1954 Anna Grace Adams Willson 1896--1942 Jim Willson passed away peacefully while asleep at home early on Sunday morning with his wife Carol at his side. He was surrounded by family and friends in his final days. He was the ideal of a gentleman who was admired for his kindness and humor and will be missed by all who knew him. Jim was born in Little Rock, Arkansas to Anna Grace and Col. Thomas Reed Willson. His early years were spent living on various Army posts around the country, from Hawaii to New York and points in between. He attended Little Rock High School and graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1949. Jim served his country in the Korean War and did so with distinction. He was honorably discharged in 1954 and finished his service in the Reserves as Captain in 1956. He had a varied career after the Army, culminating in his role as a stockbroker at Dean Witter for twenty years. Jim lived in San Francisco for much of his adult life before he and Carol retired to Crow Canyon Country Club in Danville in 1999. He was an active member in the Crows Men's Club, the Bears golf group, and the HOA, making lasting friendships in all. He was a volunteer at San Ramon Regional Hospital for 14 years. Jim was passionate about golf and played regularly up until the last nine months of his life. Jim enjoyed attending the San Francisco Opera, visiting museums and art galleries and reading. He was especially fond of books on military history and also enjoyed keeping up with his West Point pals. He and Carol traveled around the world, seeing the sights and meeting many interesting people along the way. He loved to document events with photographs as well as words, creating a book called "Travels in Retirement." Jim is survived by Carol, his beloved wife of 32 years; and from previous marriages, sons Tom (Jill), Andrew (Meagan), daughter Jeanne (Greg); grandchildren Hayley, Lauren, Alison, Marc, Nico, and Brit; great-grandchildren Cardyn, Meyer, and Huck; niece Elizabeth, nephew Jef, sisters-in-law Judy and Amy, and many nieces and nephews on Carol's side of the family. He was an amazing husband, father, and friend - he was loved and will be missed by all. With his family present, Jim will be buried at West Point with full military honors. There will be a Celebration of his Life at Crow Canyon Country Club beforehand. Flowers: A USMA 1949 classmate of my father, of 574 grads, over 500 have 'faded away'. I am trying to make sure their memorials are as complete as possible. LEST WE FORGET. Terry Powers on 18 Aug 2023

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