James Nathan Wilson

James Nathan Wilson, age 97, of Moravia, IA, passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his children. James was born on March 7, 1927, at the family farm NW of Moravia to Frank and Ruth (Cox) Wilson. He went to country school for 8 years and then graduated from the Moravia High School with the class of 1944. On April 30, 1950, he was united in marriage to Charlene Mahin and to this union, they were blessed with 4 children, Greg, Sheri, Milton, and Ruthann. James and Charlene celebrated 71 years of marriage prior to Charlene’s passing on August 28, 2021. After high school, James entered into the trucking business. He owned and operated his own truck business often hauling lime for local farmers. He also hauled wheat out of Kansas. James served his country in the United States Army in the Korean War (1952-1954). After serving his country, he continued trucking and began his farming career with his father. James retired from the family farm in 2000, as a proud, progressive and hard-working farmer. James was a life member and currently the oldest member, of the Grace United Methodist Church in Moravia. He served on numerous church committees. He was a 50-year member of Past Master of Antiquity of the Masonic Lodge, a Shriner, and was a member of the American Legion Howard Cessna Post #136. James was involved in Farm Bureau where he served as county president and voting delegate. James and Charlene were later inducted into the Farm Bureau Hall of Fame. He also served 12 years on the Moravia School Board. James and Charlene enjoyed traveling extensively in their RV. They traveled throughout the United States, spending time in each state. Alaska, where they spent 2 ½ months exploring, was a highlight in their travels, as well as venturing into Mexico 3 times with other adventurous friends. James is survived by his children, Greg (Kathy) Wilson of Moravia, Sheri (Jeff) Vining of Des Moines, Milton Wilson of Moravia, and Ruthann Wilson Burkman of Albia; 9 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; several great- great grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Deanna Wilson. James is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. James is preceded in death by his wife, Charlene: his parents, Frank and Ruth; 2 brothers, John and Paul Wilson; and a sister-in-law, Annabelle Wilson. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 5, 2024, at the Moravia Grace Church Fellowship Hall in Moravia with James’s family present from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.to greet family and friends. Masonic Rites will be held at 7:00 p.m., led by Antiquity Lodge #252. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at the Moravia Grace Church in Moravia with Pastor Trevor Vaughn and Pastor Shawn LaRue co-officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the American Legion of Moravia, Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose will follow services at Hillcrest Cemetery in Moravia. Services will be livestreamed on the Tharp Funeral Home Facebook page. Memorials have been established to the Moravia Fire and Rescue, or the Albia Public Library.

James Nathan Wilson

March 7, 1927 - June 29, 2024