James Ridgely Wilson, 88

PANAMA CITY, Fla. — James Ridgely Wilson passed away peacefully on March 27, 2020, at 88. He had been a resident at the Clifford Chester Sims Veterans Home in Panama City.

Jim was born in Galveston, Texas, in 1931, the only son of Alton Henry Wilson and Virginia Louise Kemp.

After graduating from high school, Jim attended Perkinston Junior College and later attended Boston University, majoring in education.

Jim’s military career included several years in the Navy Reserve, as well as several years in the Army, including time at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, studying Russian.

Jim started fishing at an early age with his mother and grandmother and turned that love into a lifelong career. He was a familiar face to many residents of Florida’s Panhandle and his passing represents the loss of one of Florida’s fishing legends.

In 1988, Jim started his newspaper, the “Florida Outdoor News,” which covered fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities, and published it until 2001. Many will also remember Jim Wilson Outdoors, the television show he created in 1985 and produced until 2011. Jim’s wife, Pat, and his dogs often co-starred on adventures. He was a member and past president of the Florida Outdoor Writer’s Association.

Jim’s other great passion was photography. He began selling photographs as a youth and eventually owned a camera store in Laconia, New Hampshire, from 1963 to 1971. This expertise provided a unique opportunity for Jim and his family to participate in a documentary film produced on voting in the U.S. during the 1968 presidential election — from the early New Hampshire Primary to the election and inauguration of Richard Nixon. The film, “A Private Decision,” was only shown overseas to demonstrate the democratic process in America.

Jim is survived by his wife of 23 years, Patricia Marie Wilson; his first wife, Ann Simonds; his children, Deborah Wilson-Vandenberg, Scott Wilson, and Susan Thompson; and six grandchildren. He is also survived by his step-children, Adam Aicardi and Christy Dixon, and their four children, as well as his beloved dachshunds, Heidi and Gracie.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Fletcher Ridgely Wilson.

Those that loved him will always remember his generous heart and compassion, his sense of humor, great culinary skills, and lifelong desire to educate others. We know he is now enjoying eternal tight lines and no regulations!

There will be a celebration of Jim’s life at a later date.