James L. Wilson, 89, longtime resident of New Canaan and recently Meadow Ridge, Redding, CT passed away on November 19, 2014 with his loving family by his side. Jim was born on August 9, 1925 in Middletown, CT to the late Edward Kenneth and Ethel Mae Irish Wilson. A graduate of the Loomis School and the 45W wartime class at Yale University, he continued his education receiving his Masters in Electrical Engineering at NYU. He interrupted his collegiate program by enlisting in the Air Corps where he spent the next three years earning his wings as a 2nd Lieutenant and served as a navigator instructor on B-29’s. He spent 21 years at the National Broadcasting Company and was Vice President & General Manager of the Broadcasting and Engineering Division upon his departure. Jim spent the next 20 years heading the US Broadcasting Division of N.V. Philips of the Netherlands, based in Mahwah, New Jersey until his retirement. In 1948 he married long time girlfriend Marjorie Riddell in Hartford, CT. They both moved to New Canaan in 1957 where he built his own house and occupied it until moving to Meadow Ridge in 2007. Jim was very involved in many organizations in New Canaan. He served on several town boards including the Board of Finance and was chief moderator for many years. He was a Justice of the Peace, member of Senior Men’s Club at the YMCA, the New Canaan Historical Society, Poinsettia Club and the Masonic Lodge, serving as a Master and District Deputy. Jim was an avid sailor and a member of the Norwalk Power Squadron. Jim is survived in life by his wife, Marjorie R. Wilson and 4 children and their families; J. David and Sandra Wilson of Darien, CT, John K. and Kathleen Wilson of Wilton, CT, Robert B. and Laurie Wilson of Lexington, VA, and Mark and Donna Wilson Swigart of Newtown, CT., 9 Grandchildren; Jessie and Alix Wilson, Annie Wilson, Wendy Wilson, Carly Wilson, Luke Wilson, Hayley Wilson, Matthew Swigart and David Swigart. Nieces and Nephews include Cyndy and Scott Buddenhagen. He was predeceased by his sister Joan Buddenhagen of Huntington, CT and his granddaughter, Jamie Wilson of Wilton, CT. A Memorial Service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan on December 27th. Contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan, 178 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, CT 06840 or the Jamie K. Wilson Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 3098, Wilton, CT 06897—0398. For online condolences please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com