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Celebrating the life of
Jimmy Wilson
Passed away on May 06, 2023
Mr. James Corde “Jimmy” Wilson, Jr. died peacefully early Saturday morning, May 6th, surrounded by his family. Jimmy touched many lives, and folks knew him by many nicknames, Uncle Jimmy, Jimbo, Big Jim, Pops, among others.
Jimmy was born in Chester, Pennsylvania on September 22nd, 1946 on a family vacation. His mother and father lived in Savannah, GA at the time of his birth, and he grew up in the Ardsley Park neighborhood where he made many lifelong friends. He graduated from Savannah High School in 1964. Big Jim enlisted in the United States Navy immediately after high school. Jimbo graduated Magna Cum Laude (not really) from Georgia Southern College with a bachelor's degree in Accounting in 1972. During college he began dating the love of his life, Barbara “Barbie” Martin. They were married in July of 1971 at Ellabell United Methodist Church.. Barbie and Jimmy bought their lifelong home in 1974 on Robin Road in Savannah, GA where many reading this have enjoyed their generous hospitality. The door was always open.
After graduating from Georgia Southern College Jimbo began his homebuilding career working for Metro Development before launching his own business, James Corde Company. In 1985 Jimmy and Louis Young partnered to create Great American Builders where they became the largest homebuilder in the Savannah market. He was the president of the Homebuilders Association of Greater Savannah, won many accolades for his efforts in building affordable housing, and was inducted in the Home Builders Association Hall of Fame.
Jimmy and Barbie had three wonderful children, James Corde Wilson, III, Candler Martin Wilson, and Arden Ameila Wilson Bartlett. All three of their children reside in Savannah, GA. In addition to their home in Savannah, the Wilson Family had a vacation home in Elbow Cay in the Abacos of the Bahamas. Jimmy loved nothing more than reading a book sitting over the Atlantic Ocean while sipping a big glass of red wine. He was always looking for that next wave while listening to classical hits such as Play That Funky Music White Boy. While in the Bahamas he also loved to go to the bar at the Abaco Inn and tell tall tales. Abaco Inn and Driftaway in Sandfly may not make their budget this year without Jimmy’s patronage.
Big Jim was a an avid college football fan of both Georgia Southern and University of Georgia. He has witnessed multiple National Titles by both schools and attended the 1982 Heisman Trophy Presentation also attended by none other than Uga, himself.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Pearl and James C. Wilson, Sr., as well as his brothers Frank and Ernie and sister Cynthia. In addition to his wife, Barbie, Pops is survived by his son Corde (Carson), Candler (Kathleen), Arden (Spencer) his sister, Pam, his grandchildren Stafford, Breck, Tate, Cole, Bayne, Bryce, and Pearson, as well as many nieces and nephews.
There will be a funeral service at Isle of Hope United Methodist Church on Wednesday May 10th at 12:30 followed by a celebration of Uncle Jimbo’s incredible life at the Palmetto Club at The Landings at 2:00.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the 200 Club, 200 East Saint Julian Street, Suite 501, Savannah, GA 31401 or go to www.our200club.com.
We are so very sorry to hear of Jimmys passing. He has been a friend for a long time. Our prayers are with you and your family.
- Bob and Dianne Cornwell, Savannah, Georgia
We are so sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. He was a great friend and neighbor. Will be missed. Praying for Barbee and family
- John and Tricia Woodward, Savannah, Ga
So sorry to hear about Jimmy's passing. He was a great man and a true friend. He will be deeply missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to Barbee and the family. Billy Hair and Tricia Willingham
- Billy Hair and Tricia Willingham, Savannah, GA
Billy and I are so sorry for your loss. We will be praying for the family.
- Shirley Grotheer, Savannah, GEORGIA
Jean and I are truly saddened hearing the news of Jimmy's passing. We met over 40 years ago and maintained a friendship over those eons. Our love is reaching out to Barbie, Candler and Corde and the grandchildren. He was a grand Savannahian who invested his time, love, and money in helping to make Savannah a better place for us all......
- Mike Vaquer, Savannah, GA
Jimmy was one of the most fun and kind hearted people we have ever had the pleasure of calling a "regular" He will be sorely missed by the "Sandfly Board of Directors" Dwell on the fond memories of good times and know there were many!
- Robyn & Michele Quattlebaum, Savannah, GA
So sorry to hear this.
- Ed and Frances Johns, Savannah, GA
Very sorry for your loss. Our condolences to the entire Wilson family.
- Scott & Betsy Howard, Savannah, GA
So sorry for your loss ! You lost a great guy ! God Bless him !
- Bob Evans, Jacksonville , Fla
I'm so sorry to hear this news. Prayers to the entire Wilson family.
- James Thomas "Jimmy" Smith & Heather Smith, Savannah, GA
Sincerest condolences to all of the Wilson family. I know your loss is keenly felt. May all of the warm and cherished memories you have with him bring comfort and ease your heart at this difficult time. Love to all. Binks
- Marie E Solomon , Macon, Georgia
Please accept our sincerest condolences. We are thinking of you and your family at this time.
- Jim and Sue Cole, Savannah, Georgia
Prayers for the family.
- james l woods, savannah, GA
Condolences to Barbie & his family on your loss.
- Ted & Adelle Geffen, Savannah, Ga
Many prays and deep condolences for Barbie and family.
- Anne Bone, Savannah, GA
Barbie I am sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
- Trina Embrey, Savannah, GA
May you Rest in Peace Jimmy. My thoughts and prayers go out for the family. I had the privilege of working with Jimmy during the summer of 83, along with Preston Gilmore and Craig Myer.
- Brian O'Neal, Savannah, Georgia
May his memory be a blessing to you all. It will be for us.
- Roy and Martha Swindelle , Savannah, GA
I was saddened to hear of Mr Jimmy’s passing. He was a pleasure to work with and I pray the family will be comforted by the Holy Spirit today and in the days to come.
- Robert Marsh, Statesboro, Georgia
A candle has been lit!
Barbie, Corde, Candler and Arden, you and your family are in our prayers. When I think of Jimmy, I don't think of him as a Home Builder - he was that and so much more. He was such a positive influence on everyone that he came into contact with. He is missed, but lives on in you and many more.
- Jim and Christine Walker, Woodstock, GA
Our deepest condolences to Barbi and the kids. Jimmy was an extraordinary guy and by far our favorite nighttime guest at Sea Spray Bar, especially When Barbi was in town. The perfect Southern Gentleman and his beautiful and gracious Lady.
- Tony and Joanne Cabral, Hope Town, Bahamas
To Barbie and the family, We were so sad to hear of Jim's passing. We will never forget the love that he showed to our family so many times. He will be remembered with fond memories of a good man. You and your family will remain in our prayers.
- Mike and Sandy Holcombe, Ellabell, Georgia
JoBeth and I share our deepest condolences to all of you. Have any of us ever seen Jimmy with out that great smile , a hug or a hand shake? Truly a lose for the community.
- Steve and JoBeth Fuller, Savannah, Ga
A candle has been lit!
I am so sorry for the loss that the Wilson family has endured.
- Jimmy Holland, Savannah, Georgia
My family is saddened to learn of Jimmy's passing. He was an amazing person who welcomed my family to Savannah and Country Day with warm hospitality. My father (Kirk) loved working with Jimmy on the Country Day board of directors. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Wilson family at this time.
- Jeff Cressman, Madison, WI
My deepest condolences to your family during this time. Sending you positive thoughts and lots of prayers.
- Alyssa Casciotta, Savannah, GA
The Greens are very sorry. Jimmy was an amazing man and will Be missed forever. Prayers for the entire family
- Mike Jr Green. , Sav skidaway island , Ga
Barbie, Corde, Candler, Arden and family: My heart breaks for all of you. You will be in my prayers. Take a day at the time and cherish your memories you have made with Jimmy. Sincerely, Clara
- Clara Carter Shearouse, Ellabell, GA
Prayers for the family
- Karl Martin, Savannah, Ga
Barbie, Corde, Candler and Arden, I was so very sorry to hear of your great loss. Thinking of all of you.
- Renee Dunn, Savannah, Ga
Jimmy was the patriarch of a truly wonderful family. He has left behind a true legacy. My heart felt sympathy to all of you.
- Bud Mingledorff, Bluffton, SC
A candle has been lit!
Prayers for all.
- Jane and Paul Parker, Claxton, Ga
My condolences to the whole family. I grew up with the Wilson children and knew and loved this whole family.
- Cheryl Fillmore Viles, Savannah, GA.
I was so sorry to hear about Jimmy's passing. We sure shared some great times in the Abacos. Barbie, please know that my prayers are with you and your wonderful family. Jimmy left a great legacy of family and a lifetime of wonderful memories.
- Jeep Byers, Wilmington, NC
We have only known your family for a short time. But your warm , welcoming nature is amazing. Now we know where it comes from. Your family is in our heart and prayers.
- Edwin and Heather Horne , Savannah, GA
My heart is broke but I know Jimmy is with the Lord. He was such a great person and loved all of us. He was such a great friend and I will never forget his kindness when I needed love and support. Barbie and family Jimmy was the best.
- Christine Green, Savannah, GA
Dear Barbie, Corde, Candler, and Arden, As I’m sure you know, your Dad was loved by everyone just as your Mother is. What a special couple! They were devoted to each other, and set a wonderful example for you. My prayer for all of you is that you will cherish the wonderful memories and great times that you all shared together. I pray that these memories will comfort and sustain you now and always. With love and sympathy, Jan
- Jan Daniel Crawford, Virginia Beach , Va.
So sorry to hear about Jimmy. A great guy and my thoughts and prayers for his family.
- Rhett Mouchet, Savannah, GA
My deepest sympathies. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Tonja Hathaway, Savannah, GA
My sincerest condolences to Jimmy’s family. May he rest in peace.
- Tommy Thompson, Tybee Island, GA
Sorry to hear of the loss of such a great guy. Thoughts and prayers up for Wilson family.
- Carter C Hubbard Jr, Savannah, GA
Barbie…Jimmy will be missed by so many of us. Please know Johnny and I will keep you and the family, in our prayers. Patsy and John Power
- Patsy power, Savannah, Ga
Dear Barbie and family , please accept our sincere condolences, we have many fond memories of our times together in Abaco, May God give you strength and peace
- Michael and Patte Myers, Hope Town , Abaco, Bahamas
What a wonderful life and each of you made it even happier for him . He will be missed by many . May the great laughs snd good times stay strong in your memories
- Cora bett thomss, Sav, Ga
A candle has been lit!
Very sorry for your loss.
- Stanley devegter , Savannah , Georgia
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Funeral Service
- 12:30 p.m. on Wed, May 10, 2023
- Isle of Hope United Methodist Church
-
412 Parkersburg Road (map)
Savannah GA 31406