John "J. C./ Jay" Wilson

John Charles (J.C./Jay) Wilson was born May 6, 1937 in Hollywood, California to Adelaide Lucille Searle of St. John and Charles Francis Wilson of Seward. Although he lived much of his adult life in California he returned "home" to St. John in 1985 where he lived until leaving these earthly digs on February 21, 2014. Jay graduated from Notre Dame High School in Los Angeles, California in 1956. He began his career at General Motors in Van Nuys, California before joining the Marines. After serving he returned to General Motors and later retired from there. He married his childhood sweetheart Mary Antonia (Toni) Alcorn of Ojai, California in 1978. Jay was an avid motorcyclist. He raced as a young adult, spent many family weekends dirt bike riding in the desert and ultimately did a lot of touring on a variety of street bikes. He loved the outdoors and camping and traveled through much of the United States. Jay's hobbies included playing the banjo and photography. He was a man of faith, often studying his bible, bowing his head to pray before each meal and always had his rosary handy in his pocket. His life exemplified the meaning of perseverance, always pushing forward in spite of the challenges. He is loved and missed by many. He is survived by wife Toni, daughter Lisa Bailey of Aztec NM, step son Guy King of Wichita, step daughters Laura Smith and Linda Mace of St. John, sister Bettie Wilson of Lawrence, Kansas 13 grandchildren including Joshua Bailey of Wichita, Rei Bailey of Santa Clarita, California, Jay "Derek" Bailey (namesake) and Matthew "Kegan" Bailey (born on Jay's birthday) of Aztec New Mexico and "Pooch" of the home, 9 great grandchildren. Rosary will be held on Wednesday February 26 at 6 p.m. and service Thursday February 27 at 9 a.m., both at Minnis Chapel.