Dr. James R. Wilson

February 16, 1945 - January 16, 2014

Dr. James Roger Wilson of Cadillac passed away Thursday, January 16, 2014 at his home. He was 68. He was born February 16, 1945, in Oak Park, Illinois, an only child born to Roger and Marian (Morrison) Wilson. Jim graduated from York High School in Elmhurst, Illinois in 1963. He joined the band, where he played the clarinet, bass clarinet and bassoon. He was also in the marching band and orchestra. He also enjoyed playing basketball and especially baseball. He completed his Bachelor's Degree at Beloit College. He joined Sigma Pi fraternity in his sophomore year; because it drew in the intellectuals. As biology major; he didn't enter college knowing that he would be a doctor. In his junior year, he decided to become a doctor, after learning more about biology. He graduated in 1967. After college, in 1967 he joined the United States Navy, ROTC, where he went to Vietnam three times. His ship was the USS Elkhorn. He went right from active duty as Lt. Junior grade to active reserves where he was promoted to Lt. He was discharged in 1971. He attended Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine Medical School, which was affiliated with the University of Illinois, from 1972-1976 then started his internship in July of 1976. In 1976, Jim was an intern at Flint Osteopathic Hospital. During his first rotation, he was assigned to the Pediatric floor where he met the former Diane Thorpe, who was an LPN. Jim and Diane started dating in August of 1976 and married on May 21, 1977 in Flint. In June, they moved to Berwyn, Illinois, where Jim completed Residency at MacNeal Memorial Hospital. In July of 1979, they moved to Cadillac, where Dr. Wilson joined Dr.Caszatt's office, which became Family Practice. Dr. Wilson was with Family Practice from 1979 to 2004 as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. After 25 years, Dr. Wilson retired. Becoming a Medical Director for Hospice of Michigan helped with fulfilling the desire to spend more quality time with patients. He fulfilled this role for 17 years; from 1995 to 2012. It was also during this time that he became the District 10 Department of Health, Medical Director from 2005 – 2013 for a total of 8 years. Dr. Wilson was also the Autumnwood of McBain Medical Director from 1995-2011. He had completed his Master's Degree in Public Health and was also certified in Geriatric Medicine. Jim loved to read anything. He had a great love of music, all kinds. Jim could often be seen riding his bike around Lake Cadillac, which he started doing over 10 years ago with a goal of getting healthier. He played clarinet in the Clam Lake Band for eight years. He was known as a big jokester and for his unique sense of humor. Jim is survived by his wife, Diane; three children: Stephanie Wilson (Eric), Christopher Wilson and Daniel Wilson all of Cadillac; three grandchildren: Brianna, Hannah and Logan. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by an Aunt and Uncle, Janet and Peter Vitton. Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 25, 2014 at the Peterson Funeral Home in Cadillac with Reverend Linnea Stifler and Reverend David Brower officiating. His final resting place will be Clam Lake Township Cemetery in Wexford County. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan or St. Mary's Memorial Fund. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.