Jim Will Wilson passed away June 28, 2013, of natural causes after a short hospitalization, at the age 89. He had been a resident at the CC Young Retirement Community, in Dallas, TX.Jim was born in 1924 in a small farming and ranching community in west Texas, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Olan Wilson.Jim graduated from Cross Plains High School, attended Tarleton State College and the University of Texas at Austin. Joined NROTC; accepted a commission in 1942. He commanded an LCI which provided mortar support for landing operations in Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He earned the American Theater Ribbon, the Pacific Theater Ribbon with two battle stars, and the Victory Medal.Returning to the US after the war, he resumed his education at Hardin Simmons University, but transferred his credits back to UT Austin and achieved a BBA degree. While at HSU, he met his bride, Frances, when both were auditioning for a one-act play. They married in 1948.Jim began his career as a salesman for Texaco in Houston. After a year or so, he resigned to pursue a dream: ranching. Unfortunately, this coincided with a major drought in west Texas, so after ranching for a couple of years, Jim returned to the oil industry, discovering land management. He found his niche and spent the rest of his fruitful career as a landman.Jim was preceded in death by Fran. He is survived by three children, seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed for his vivaciousness, his ability to engage people and draw them out. He will also be remembered for his wisdom in helping outline and evaluate the available choices and obstacles for a given situation.Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2013, in the Brooks Family Chapel at North Dallas Funeral Home, 2710 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, TX 75234.Graveside Service: 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 2013, in Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery.Please send family condolences and sign the guestbook on this website.