James Richard “JR” Wilson, lovingly known as Jim, passed away in January 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, faith, and deep devotion to his family.

Born January 25, 1939, in Springfield, Missouri, to Joe L. and Nellene (Ballinger) Wilson, Jim grew up near Pleasant Hope, Missouri, alongside his brothers, Freddie Joe and John David, who preceded him in death. He attended Pleasant Hope High School, where he was a standout basketball player. He went on to attend Southwest Missouri State University, graduating in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education. While in college, he worked at Sears Roebuck and Company where he met his wife to be, and they were married on February 10, 1961.

Jim began his career with the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco), where he steadily worked his way up to Chief Mechanical Officer of Car Operations. He retired in the mid-1990s after a distinguished career but continued working as a consultant and railcar inspector, traveling extensively—including more than 200 trips to Mexico—helping improve railcar production and quality.

Jim and Jean raised two sons, Christopher James and Shannon James. The family shared a love for horses, eventually moving to the country in the 1970s, where they began raising and showing Arabian horses. This passion grew into Chrishan Park, the boys’ horse training business. Jim played an instrumental role in its success, from hauling hay and managing projects to helping build the large barn in 2010. Known affectionately as “Mr. Everything,” he was always ready to fix, build, or lend a helping hand.

Even after his professional career ended, Jim continued what he called his “hardest work,” helping his family with projects at the barn, their homes, and rental properties. If anything needed fixing, “Popsicle,” as he was fondly called, was the one to call.

A man of deep faith, Jim carried a lifelong story of survival from a serious childhood illness, which strengthened his family’s devotion to God. In his later years, he spent time reading the Bible, sharing daily devotions with his sons and grandson, and spreading the message of love and faith. In his final weeks, he became more expressive than ever, telling many how much he loved them. Jim’s life was one of quiet strength, service, and unwavering love for his family. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the lives he touched. We take comfort in knowing he is resting in heaven with Jesus.

Visitation will be 10:00AM until service time, Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Schweitzer Church, Springfield, MO. Memorial services will begin at 11:00AM, at the church, with a reception to follow.