James Lorn Wilson

James Lorn Wilson, 74, of Sioux City passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at an Omaha hospital. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be directed to www.meyerbroschapels.com. James was born on June 2, 1948 in Chancellor, South Dakota, to Leslie and Bernice (Holbrook) Wilson. He grew up in Sioux City and attended Sioux City Schools. On June 6, 1968 he joined the United States Army, where he served two years active duty. Following his active duty service, James transitioned into heavy equipment repair with the Army Reserves. He served for 40 years until his retirement. He married Sharon Hieb on August 30, 1968, and to this union three daughters were born. The two later divorced. James married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Conley, on June 2, 2001 in Merrill, Iowa. Although James was a lifelong resident of Sioux City, he and Joyce did live in Lawton, Michigan, for six years following his retirement before returning to Sioux City. He worked for Alf’s in Sioux City for nearly 10 years, and served as the President of the Labor Union during this time. Prior to enlisting in the service, he was a proud delivery driver for Tony’s Pizza. Following his retirement, he drove school buses for both Sioux City Community School District and the Lawton, Michigan school system. James was a huge Green Bay Packers fan and enjoyed fishing and camping; he was a great pool player and played in many tournaments over the years, and always enjoyed playing cards with his brother Denny. Above all, James’ family was his life—he loved being with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His family will remember him for many things, but especially his loving, kind, compassionate heart. Survivors include his wife, Joyce Wilson; three daughters: Michelle Root, Marsha Craft (Dustin), and Melinda Johnson (Chris); stepchildren: Steven Penny (Kathy), Jackie Delpiere (Scott), and Greg Penny (Carrie); and Penny Kawakami, Ethan’s mother, who was like a daughter to James and Joyce; grandchildren: Scott Root; Matt (Bri), Dillon (Tessa), Drake, and Makadn Craft; Adam (Jen) and Lyndsey Johnson; Jamie, Joseph, and Jenna; Tyler, Travis, Lauren, and Logan; Lili and Collin; and Sean, Christy, and Ethan; great-grandchildren: Aryanna, Aaliyah, Lukas, and Sarena Craft; and Amelia, Quinn, Lilly, and John Johnson; numerous step-great-grandchildren; siblings: Betty Eggland, Margaret Klundt, Kathy Kern, and Dennis Wilson; sisters-in-law: Carolan Wood, Jeri Daniel, and Sandy Miller; his faithful furry companion, Mighty Jo; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Larry Penny in 2008; and a granddaughter, Sarah Root in 2016.