James Howard Wilson

James Howard Wilson of St. Michaels, MD, avid log canoe sailor and owner of the “Magic”, died on Saturday, May 12, 2007 at the University of Maryland Hospital, Baltimore. He was 63. Born in Easton, MD on September 26, 1943, he was the son of the late George H., Sr. and G. Tunis Green Wilson. He attended public school in Talbot County. On March 3, 1962, he married the former Jean Price and they made their home in the St. Michaels area where Jimmy worked as a self-employed diesel mechanic as well as a heating and air conditioning specialist. From 1969 to 1996, he was also a school bus contractor for Talbot County. Jimmy had a passion for log canoe racing. In 1923 his father bought the “Magic” for $100. He raced the boat from 1923 to 1965, winning the governor’s Cup in 1927. From 1928 to 1930 the Governor’s Cup was won by Jimmy’s grandfather, William Green, a record that stood until 1990 when it was tied but not broken by Tad DuPont. From 1963 to 1969 the “Magic” was passed to Jimmy’s brother, George. In 1970 Jimmy took charge of the vessel. During his years as master of the “Magic”, Jimmy won every trophy associated with log canoe racing, including the Governor’s Cup. Jimmy cherished the “Magic” and lived life to the fullest. A past member of Easton B.P.O. Elks Lodge #1622, he also served two terms as Commodore of the Chesapeake Bay Log Canoe Association, was a member of the Miles River Yacht Club from 1957 to 2006, and C.B.Y.R.A. He was a 22 year member of St. Michaels Vol. Fire Dept. during most of which he served as Chief Engineer, and was an honorary member of the Easton Vol. Fire Dept. In addition to his wife, Mr. Wilson is survived by two daughters, Kathy-Jo Wilson of Claiborne, MD, and Judith L. Marshall and her husband Edward of St. Michaels, MD; three brothers, George H. Wilson, Jr. and his wife Yvonne of Trappe, Henry T. Wilson and his wife Peggy, and Frederick S. Wilson and his wife Rebecca, all of Tunis Mills, MD; four grandchildren, Sarah D’Agostino, Michael D’Agostino, Nathan Lyons and James P. Marshall; numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Jane S. Wilson. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 25, 2007 at 10:00 AM at Christ Church, St. Michaels, MD. Burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to the Thoracic Cancer Research Program Acct. #26495, University of Maryland Cancer Center, 22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Arrangements are by Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., Easton, MD.