JW "Jay" Wilson

JW “Jay” Wilson age 73, of Perrinton, MI, met his savior Thursday, April 27, 2017 following a long, hard battle with lung cancer.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 4:00 P.M. at the Hartford United Methodist Church in Hartford, Michigan.

JW was born in Millburg, MI on August 30, 1943, the son of Jarold and Flossie Wilson.  Upon graduation from Benton Harbor High School, he enlisted in the US Air Force serving on the Air Craft Fire and Rescue Squad.  He was stationed in Alaska during the earthquake in 1964.  Later he served as a SeaBee in the US Navy Reserve.

On July 8, 1967, he married Sandra Arnt of Keeler, MI.  He graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Education, and from Andrews University with a Masters in Educational Administration.  He was a teacher for many years, a principal and a superintendent as well as a licensed general contractor for over 40 years.  After retirement, he founded W&W Property Management.

Jay enjoyed hunting and fishing, making wine and apple cider, and working in his garden.  His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his six grandchildren.  Jay was a proud member of the NRA, as well as a member of the American Legion and a former member of the Keeler Fire Department and the Fulton Township Zoning Board.

He is survived by his wife Sandra Wilson, daughter Kimberly and Mitchell Towne, sons; JW II (Chip) and Michelle Wilson, Scott and Nicole Wilson, Matthew and Meghan Wilson, grandchildren; Zachary, Hunter, Cassandra, Spencer, Megan, and Breanna, sisters; Betty and Francis (Bill) Howard, Freddie Mae (Fritz) and Glen Flowers, Lucille and Wayne Kerby, and brother Larry and Deborah Wilson.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters; Alice (Charles) Flowers and Marjory (Billy) Blaylock.

Memorials may be made to Resurrection Life Church, 714 S. Main Street, St. Louis, MI  48880 or Relevant Church, 7084 Marsh Road, Cottrellville, MI   48038.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI.