James Craig Wilson passed away peacefully in his home on February 20th, 2024. Jim fought a long, courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his eternal companion Eileen and other family members. Jim was born on December 4th, 1941, in Salt Lake City, Utah to George Law Wilson and Mary Irene Thornton Wilson. He was the oldest of four children. Jim grew up in Draper, Utah. The family later moved to Boise, Idaho where Jim graduated from Borah High in 1960. During high school, Jim was actively involved in ROTC and later enlisted in the Idaho Air National Guard where he served as a medic. Jim was also actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America. His military service and involvement in Scouting helped shape the direction of his future. Throughout his life Jim enjoyed the outdoors. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, skiing, and outdoor photography. Jim passed this love of the outdoors on to his posterity. Jim served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was assigned for two and a half years in the Austrian Mission. Jim retained a love of the German language, and the people he served, for the rest of his life. Jim attended Boise Junior College and later earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master's Degree in Political Science from the University of Idaho. After college, Jim began a life-long career in public service. His work led to several Governor appointed positions in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. His career was focused on care for the elderly and the underprivileged. On September 4th, 1964, he married his eternal companion, Eileen Thomas, in the Salt Lake City Temple. Together they raised six wonderful children which led to twenty-six grandchildren and twenty-three great-grandchildren. Family was the focus of his life and was his greatest joy. Jim was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings including Bishop, Temple Worker, and High Councilor. Later in life he was blessed to serve another mission with his favorite mission companion, Eileen. Together they served in the Alabama Birmingham Mission. Up until the time of his death, he served as an active Patriarch. Jim and Eileen cherished the time they were able to serve together in the mission field, Boise and Meridian Temple, and in Jim's role as a Patriarch. Jim is survived by his wife of over 59 years, Eileen, and five of their children, Aaron (Lisa), David, Trevor (Karri), Bonnie Venema (Greg), Angela Bradley (Logan), his brother Jack (Cheryl), and his sister Marlene Jeppson (Jim). He is preceded in death by his son Robert, his sister Cheryl, and his mother and father. Services will be held Saturday, February 24th at the Church building located at 9400 West Floating Feather Road in Star, Idaho. A viewing will be held at the same location from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM. Services will begin at 12:00 PM. As a family we would like to thank St. Luke's Cancer Institute, St. Luke's Palliative Care, St. Luke's Hospice, St. Luke's Hospital, Dr. Norman Zuckerman, Dr. Stephen C. Smith, and Dr. Kevin Wilson and all their dedicated staff for the kind care given to Jim. We are truly amazed at the support we have received from our church community, neighbors, and friends, known and unknown. To express condolences, see www.Zeyerfuneralchapel.com