James Robbin Wilson

It is with heavy hearts that the family of James Robbin "J.R." Wilson announce his unexpected passing on September 18, 2025. He was 75 years old. J.R. was born on August 5 to James and V. Ruth (Lenertz) Wilson. He was the oldest of their five children.

During the Vietnam War, J.R. was drafted and proudly served in the U.S. Army, Infantry Division at the Korean Demilitarized Zone. As a civilian, he was a skilled carpenter and proud member of the Boilermakers Union. As a boilermaker, JR travelled all over the country and made many friends across the United States. Whether it was over a game of shuffleboard or a few Budweiser's, J.R. loved socializing, meeting people, and shooting the breeze. He loved spending time with his close friend, Joann Harlan.

In 2019, he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, and the outlook was grim. However, with J.R.'s incredible dedication to treatment and the wonderful doctors and staff at the VA hospital of Houston, he successfully battled cancer and had been in remission for 4 years at the time of his passing.

He was a proud father of 3 girls, but his greatest joy came from his 5 grandchildren. He loved attending their activities and telling them stories and giving advice, whether they wanted to hear it or not! He was also a proud big brother and had a sincere love and respect for each of his siblings.

J.R. was preceded in death by his mother and father and his granddaughter, Miriam Sophia Celli, wife, Beverly Wilson, and stepson, Robert Simpson.

J.R. is survived by his daughters, Cristina Celli and husband Clint, Robbin Matney and husband Cary, and Katherine Key, in addition to grandchildren Nathan Celli, Clayton, Makayla, and Lacey Matney, and Boone Key. He is also survived by his sisters: Kathleen Ledbetter and husband Ronnie, Jeannie Simpson, Lois Wilson, and his brother Thomas Wilson and wife Nancy. Additionally, he is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and countless friends.

Funeral services for J.R. will begin with a visitation at Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM and the funeral will begin at 2:00 PM with interment to follow at Restlawn Memorial Park in Vidor.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lloyd Grubbs Legion Post #49 of Orange, TX