Obituary Announcement
Wilson, James Emmett
James Emmett Wilson III (Jim), 76, of Sarnia, Ontario, died Sunday, August 30th, 2020. He was born in Minneapolis Minnesota on August 03, 1944. He was the son of Col. James E. Wilson and Grace (Egen) Wilson. Jim came to Canada in 1968 and founded "The Yellow Ford Truck"; a store that would herald the birth of the Kensington Market thrift store scene in Toronto. In Sarnia, he owned "Cowboys and Indians"; a store founded on his lifelong respect and love for First Nations Peoples. His store was a community hub and known as a place where anyone could find an open ear and kind word. He was a man who lived his life entirely on his terms. His activism has been immortalized in published academic works, newspaper articles, and even a micro-brew! He is remembered by all who knew him for his gentleness, open and giving spirit, and dedication to peace. Jim is survived by his son and daughters: Gabriel S. Wilson. Schenandoah Wilson, and Tawny Daws; two brothers and two sisters: Anthony Wilson, Patrick Wilson, Liz Thorington, and Jean-Marie Bridges; and seven grandchildren. He joins his son Benojiins Wilson, his sister Leslie Wheeler, and his parents. Private family services were held. Remembrances and condolences may be expressed to the family online in “Jim’s Guestbook” at mccormackfuneralhomesarnia.com. A public vigil will be held at 121 Christina St N. Sarnia ON, on Friday, September 4th at 7:30 pm.
Arrangements
Services
A public vigil will be held at
121 Christina St N. Sarnia ON,
on Friday, September 4th
at 7:30 pm.
Donations
Donations can be made online by using the link.
Cheques will be received at the funeral home.
Online Guestbook
Leave a condolence or memory online for the family.
Barb Toye
I will miss Jimmy very much, as will our community. At least every two to three weeks I would stop in at Cowboys and Indians for a chat - always interesting, enlightening and sometimes just plain funny. His promotion of indigenous arts and crafts was a valuable service to our artisans. For Jimmy, it was a labour of love. He had a great eye for beauty, utility and appeal of the goods he sold. He told me once a few years ago that it was a dream of his to have a little shop - he achieved this goal. He will be long remembered by his downtown colleagues and friends. We have lost a unique gentleman. Rest in peace, Jimmy.