James W. Wilson

Brookfield - Jim died peacefully on February 4th, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.  Jim was born on March 22, 1931, to Roland A. and Ethel (Freeman) Wilson of Brookfield.  He graduated from Brookfield High School in 1950 as a talented basketball and baseball player.  That same year he received an offer to try out for the New York Yankees and although he made the choice to remain in Brookfield, his loyalty to the Yankees endured.  Jim's children and grandchildren were raised as Yankee fans which led to a friendly rivalry between those loyal to Jim and those family members who joined Red Sox Nation. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and in the summer months harvested a bounty of vegetables from his garden.  One of Jim's favorite pastimes was riding his John Deere to mow his lawn.



He served as a Selectman for the Town of Brookfield and was a member of the Masons, the Shriners, and the Scottish Rite.  He graduated from Westfield State University and became a teacher in the carpentry division at Tantasqua Regional Vocational High School.  For more than 20 years Jim guided his students as they built many of the homes in the Tantasqua/Union 61 District.  After retiring as a teacher, Jim worked side by side with his son as a primary carpenter for many more years. He loved building beautiful gifts for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren over the years and these works of art will be treasured for generations to come.



Jim leaves his wife and high school sweetheart, Barbara May Wilson, to whom he was married for 70 years. He also leaves his children Karen Seremet of Brookfield, and Robert 'Joe' Wilson and his wife Kim Young Wilson of Brookfield.  He is predeceased by his infant son James P. Wilson, his parents, a brother Roland W. Wilson and a sister Esther Wilson Gravel. He also leaves his grandchildren Michelle Seremet, boyfriend Dwayne Robare of Brookfield, Michael Seremet and wife Stacye Horne Seremet of Birmingham, AL; Rebecca Cardenales and husband Murf of Palmer, Carly Wilson and fiancée Starr Peck of North Brookfield and Joel Wilson and wife Kylie Wilson of Oakham, and great-grandchildren Kayli, Camden, Chase, Damon, Demetri, Gabriel, Daxton, Kyler, McKenna and Easton. He also leaves many nieces, nephews and friends especially his brother-in-law Boyce (Zip) May and Jonathan Davol.



Jim, affectionately known as Pappy, will be forever loved and missed by his devoted family.  See you later, Pap. Thank you for being you and loving us.



A service and burial will be held in the Spring.



Varnum Funeral Home, 43 East Main St., in West Brookfield is assisting his family with arrangements.