James E. (Jim) Wilson passed away peacefully at his home December 1, 2016 with his loving wife and best friend Loretta by his side. Jim was born in Goldendale, Washington on December 10, 1942. His family moved to California when he was three years old and settled in the Arcata area. After high school graduation, Jim joined the National Guard and Army Reserve and always loved the fact that he was called up to active duty during the “Bay of Pigs” conflict.

After working at Arcata Plywood for a short period of time, Jim began his career as an auto body artist at Isackson’s in Arcata. He went on to become the auto body shop manager at P.C Sacchi in 1968 and was there until his retirement in 2004. Jim took pride in his craftsmanship and precision. He was always happy to make a person’s vehicle “look whole again.”

Jim and Loretta were happily married in 1969 and lived in Arcata until they purchased a home site in McKinleyville in 1972. In addition to his love for cars, Jim enjoyed woodworking and building projects which was evidenced by the fact that he helped build their home in McKinleyville, as well as their summer home in Trinity Village. Jim always enjoyed getting together with “the village” crowd and going on “cocktail cruises” in the golf cart. Wonderful times and fond memories of Trinity Village will always be with him.

Jim is survived by his wife of 47 years, Loretta, his daughter Denise Young, and her husband Greg, of Eureka, his son Craig Arnold, and wife Marianne, of Whitesburg Georgia, his sister Sharron Harnden, of Brentwood, his grand children Kelly Schirmann, Jeff Schirmann, Amber Torres, brother in-law Frank Ferraro and sister in-laws Judy Ferraro and Mary Lou Riley as well as numerous nieces, nephews and step grand and great grandchildren, Roxie Christiansen, Reena Young, Ross Young and Raime, Grace and Hope (aka Salt and Pepper).

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Chris Lee & staff, MR home health care, nurse Roz, Trent, Terry, Laowa, Resolution Care and the Hospice team for their professional care and support.

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life memorial on Saturday, January 7th, at the Elks Lodge, Eureka from 1 to 3 p.m. Jim’s heart was always warmed when he watched the television commercials for St. Jude’s and he had a big heart for animals as well. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Sequoia Humane Society. Please sign the guest book at www.times-standard.com.

###

The obituary above was submitted by Jim Wilson’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.