James Lee Wilson

James Lee Wilson, 85, of Cleveland, crossed over into eternity at a local hospital on Thursday, May 18, 2023, surrounded by his family.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who cherished his family. He was of the Pentecostal faith and a member of the Evening Light Gospel Tabernacle.

Born on March 23, 1938, he was the son of the late (Luther) Luke and Mamie (Wallace) Wilson. James began working at age 14, at which time he had his own paper route, delivering newspapers on his bicycle. He later worked as a short-order cook at Five Points Snack Shop and Hamilton’s Restaurant. He spent many years working as an upholsterer at Cleveland Chair and Wilson Chair factories. James then went into business for himself, owning and operating Wilson Cabinet Shop for 38 years. He was still accepting orders and supervising installations up to the date he fell ill. It was his passion and he took pride in every job that went out of his shop and into a home or business. When not working, he enjoyed sitting on the porch watching it rain and spending time with family.

Left to cherish his memory, are his wife, Linda Wilson; daughter, Deanie Phillips (Dan); sons, Ricky (Rexanna) and Gary (Tracy); stepson, Scott Brock (Sherry); grandchildren, Shantae Carter (Dustin), Stephanie Woods (Steven), Ryan McDermott (Brooklyn), Michael Wilson, Dana Stanesic (John), Victoria Ann Henderson (Bernie), Brittainy Wilson, Emily Wilson, Matthew Crittenden and Dillon Brock; great-grandchildren, Nash and Ryder Morris, Lauren and Morgan Woods, Coby Caldwell, Boston, Bailen, Presley and Aussie Jean McDermott, Alex and Skyla Wilson, Jackson James Stanesic, Scarlett Dapson, CayLynn Henderson, Kianna Mullen and Skyler Crittenden; sister, Bonnie Jenkins; brothers, Charles (Judy) and Donnie Wilson; sisters-in-law, Wanda Walker (John) and Vickie Falls; brothers-in-law, Bill Falls (Becky), Ed Falls (Gaila) and Tom Falls (Jerry); and several nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his son, James A. “Jimmy” Wilson; a great-granddaughter, Emily Carpenter; four brothers, Robert, John, Bill and Berl Wilson; two sisters, Shirley Baker and Lois Thurman; a brother-in-law, Ken Falls; sister-in-law, Kay Falls; and his parents.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Fike-Randolph & Son Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at noon on Wednesday with interment following at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Scott Brock, Brance Falls, Nash Morris, Ryder Morris, Greg Neyman and John Stanesic serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Crittenden, Stacy and Michael Wilson.

Visit www.fikefh.com to share condolences and view the video tribute.