Life story

" James Harrison Wilson, Sr., known as “Buzzy” to his friends and family, passed away at his home in Spotsylvania, Virginia on the evening of Monday, January 6, 2025, at the age of 80. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Shirley Wilson; his children James Wilson, Jr. (Wendy), Stephanie Zollinger (Adam), Jacquelyn Fitzgerald (Lawrence), Sean Wilson (Sarah), and Rosa Wilson (Chris); his grandchildren Zack (Brittany), Cassidy, Addison, Rosemary, Amelia, Seth, and Margaret; and his great-granddaughter Prim. He is also survived by his two brothers, Raymond Wilson and John Wilson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Edward Wilson and Katherine Raymond (Foster) Wilson; his brother Donald Wilson; his stepsisters, Evelyn Knauf and Bobbie Greer; and his son Seth Thomas Wilson.
Buzzy graduated from Spotsylvania High School in 1963. In 1965, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he trained as military police and was deployed to Vietnam until 1968. Over the course of his life, he held many jobs, including working in produce at Earl’s Food Market, on the railroad, as the owner of his own construction company, repairing plaster in historical buildings, and working as a welder at Standard Steel and various other companies.
Outside of work, Buzzy had a green thumb, growing everything from a vegetable garden to flowers, and even hops. There was nothing he couldn’t grow or build. He enjoyed watching westerns and Chuck Norris films, and in his later years, he developed a passion for researching his family ancestry. Buzzy was always up for a good time, whether it was a trip to the beach, hiking in the mountains, or riding roller coasters. A devoted Christian, Buzzy was an active member of his church until health prevented him from attending. He preferred Pepsi, never said no to coffee (with cream and sugar), and his grandkids knew he always had orange slice candy to share.
Buzzy’s family remembers him for his unconditional love, work ethic, and humor. He was a loving and patient husband and father, always taking the time to teach his children how to grow a garden, chop wood, fix something, or even help them with formal dress shopping. He was selfless and would come to help with anything. As “Pap,” Buzzy adored his grandchildren. He held, loved, and played with them, always ready with a silly face or dance. Buzzy had an unwavering work ethic, sometimes working several jobs a day, and once even riding his son’s 10-speed bike to work because his truck broke down. He was joyful, positive, and always ready with the worst dad jokes. Buzzy was the best example of doing whatever it took for his family.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at American Legion Post 320, located at 8456 Brock Road in Spotsylvania, Virginia. Charles Garnett will officiate the service at 2:00 PM, followed by light snacks and socializing until 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Legion. "