James “Sonny” Wilson,  96, passed away at his daughter’s home near Batesville on the morning of June 22, 2023. Sonny was the widower of Hilda Bernice Wilson.

Funeral services for Mr. Sonny will be held at 11  a.m. on Saturday, June 24,  at Black Jack Presbyterian Church with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Black Jack Cemetery where Sonny will be laid to rest beside his wife Hilda.

Sonny was born June 20, 1927 to the late James Albert Wilson and Mandy Perkins Wilson in Batesville, MS. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. Sonny was a farmer during his lifetime. He loved working the land with his father and family. Sonny was an honest man. He did not like to see any farm tractor or truck that didn’t run sold. With this in mind, Sonny accumulated quite a collection around the farm. He loved all his old tractors and trucks. He could tell a story about what work that it did on the farm for his father or himself.

Sonny married the love of his life, Hilda Bernice Smith Wilson. Together they had one daughter, Shelley. The two were married for 72 years and inseparable before her death in 2022. Sonny was devoted to the Black Jack Presbyterian Church. He grew up in the church and community and was proud that his family followed in his footsteps.

The loving family he leaves behind includes his daughter, Shelley Wilson Russell and son-in-law Johnny Russell of Batesville, two grandchildren; David Russell and Bryan Russell; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife Hilda, Sonny was preceded in death by one sister, Margie Jones.

The family would like to thank Penny Aven, the wonderful care-giver, who was not only a care giver but a driver many afternoons around the country side wtih Mr. Sonny.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donation be made to Black Jack Cemetery, c/o Ellen Carson, 32334 Black Jack Rd. Batesville, MS 38606.