James "Jim" Wilson

      James “Jim” Wilson, age 83, of Hot Springs, passed away Thursday, March 10, 2022, at home surrounded by family.

     Jim was born on January 19, 1939, in Colt, Arkansas, the son of Walter Elmer Wilson and Bessie Maude Chalk Wilson.  On October 27, 1961, he married the love of his life, Sharon “Katie” Harmon, they enjoyed 58 years of marriage until Katie’s passing on January 6, 2020.  He is also preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Otis Wilson and two half-brothers, Buford Chalk and Buddy Wilson; his five half-sisters, Edna Lacey, Opal Erwin, Haleen Ashley, Dorothy Powell and Verleen Brown.

     Jim was Christian in his faith.  He was a United States Army Veteran serving as a sergeant during the Vietnam era.  Jim retired from AP&L later known as Entergy after 40 years of service as a lineman.  He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather that was known as “Poppy” by his granddaughters.  Jim enjoyed camping, crappie fishing and running a trotline with Katie and family.  He was quite the fisherman.  He was also a cattleman and horse racing fan, he actually owned several thoroughbred racing horses, he could also be found at the casinos on many occasions.  Jim had a green thumb and had beautiful vegetable gardens that produced enough for Katie to do canning, they had a beautiful life together.  In his high school years at Lake Hamilton, he was remembered as very studious and very bashful, which actually is a good description of him through his life.  He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

    He is survived by his two daughters and sons-in-law, Jamie and Kory Sturm of Prosper, Texas and Amy and Jon Graves of Hot Springs; his two special granddaughters, that he lovingly called his babies, Lexi Graves and Chloe Graves; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jackie and Carl Carpenter of Hot Springs; nieces, nephews, extended family members and many good friends.

   Pallbearers will be Jon Graves, Kory Sturm, Greg Carpenter, Austin Chitty, Tanner Poole and Johnny Rudder.  Honorary pallbearers will be Carl Carpenter and his special friends at Entergy of Arkansas that lovingly knew him as “Mad Dog”.

     The family wishes to thank his special caregiver, Sheila Ashling

    Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, March 15, 2022, in the Smith Family Funeral Home Chapel Hot Springs, with Bro. George Vincent officiating.  Interment will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.   Visitation will be held Monday evening from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the funeral home.  Guest registry is at www.smithfamilycares.com.