James Young Wilson, Sr. died Monday at his home of 56 years in Lake City . He was 89. Mr. Wilson is survived by his wife of 59 years, Olema Olive Wilson, three children; Penny Wilson Weber of Gainesville; James Young Wilson Jr. of Billings, Montana and Pattie Dale Wilson Tye of Houston, Texas and two grandchildren, Nathan Lentz Weber and Joanna Penelope Weber of Gainesville. Mr. Wilson, a Lake City Native, was born on April 26, 1917 to Hugh Augustus Wilson of Lake City and Pattie Yancey Wilson, a native of Virginia. He was the third of 5 children: Lovelyn, Hugh, Kennerson and Eva. Wilson graduated from Columbia High School 1934. He went on to graduate from Davidson College 1938 and the University of Florida College of Law 1941. He entered active service in the US Army 1941 and served 3 1/2 years with the 19th infantry 24th Division as Platoon Leader, Company Commander, and Battalion Commander in the Philippines and New Guinea. He was decorated with the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat infantryman's Badge and separated service as a Major in 1946. Following the war he returned to Lake City and became involved in his father's life insurance company Wilson National Life. He was elected State Representative of Columbia County 1947 and while in Tallahassee met his bride to be, Olema Olive on the Capital steps. Wilson reorganized the Lake City National Guard Company in 1947 and served as Florida Department Commander Veterans of Foreign Wars 1947-1948. He continued to serve veterans as Commissioner of Florida Departments of Veterans Affairs 1959-1963. Mr. Wilson was very active in his life long church, First Presbyterian Church of Lake City, serving as Deacon and Elder, chairman of the building committee for the fellowship hall and sanctuary and chair of the 125th anniversary committee. Mr. Wilson was a strong supporter of higher education. He was a founding Trustee for the Lake City forest Ranger School 1947 and served as Trustee when the institution became Lake City Community College in 1962. He served as director of Lake City Community College Foundation for thirty years and was its first Chairman. He was a former Trustee for Davdison College 1960-1965 and Florida Presbyterian College (Eckerd College) 1965-1969. He served as President of the University of Florida National Alumni Association 1963-64 and as a member of the Board of Directors of University of Florida Foundation 1963-71. He was a member of Florida Blue Key. Mr. Wilson was a member of the Florida council of 100 form 1961-1974 serving as Vice-Chairman 1963-64. He was a member of the Lake City Kiwanis club since 1941 serving as President in 1961 and Lt. Governor in 1968. Mr. Wilson was CEO of Wilson National Life Insurance Company 1946-1974 and obtained the certification of CLU. He was a prominent local businessman and rancher. He enjoyed saltwater fishing and quail hunting. Funeral Services will be conducted Sunday, July 23, at 12:30PM at the First Presbyterian Church, Lake City, FL., with the Rev. Dr. Roy Martin and the Rev. James Montgomery officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday, July 22, 2006 from 2:00-4:00PM at the First Presbyterian Church, Lake City, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to first Presbyterian Church, PO Box 469, Lake city, FL 32056. Guerry Funeral Home, 2659 SW Main Blvd. Lake city, Florida is in charge of all arrangements