James Eugene Wilson
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Funeral services for James “Jimmy Sweet Lips” E. Wilson, 78, Eudora will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2019 at Eudora United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Eudora Cemetery. He died October 12, 2019 at LMH Health.
He was born on November 23, 1940 in San Diego, CA the son of Howard E. and Ruth G. (Breithaupt) Wilson.
James was employed at Howard Super Saver for 20 years. He also worked at Hercules for 8 years and Ford Motor Company for 11 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in DeSoto, KS and the Odd Fellows of Eudora. He was also a member of the Eudora United Methodist Church.
Jimmy “Sweet Lips” Wilson, was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame in 2011. If a musical instrument could ever become a magic wand, “Jimmy Sweet Lips” had defined the process. With his Magical Sax he would transport you through time and space, then fill your soul with that Good Ol’ Rock and Roll and shoot you full of Rhythm and Blues. Jimmy’s classic tagline, “Hit Me Band!”
He married Marilyn S. Northington on July 10, 1960 in Kansas City, Missouri. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include his daughters, Lynn Wilson-Bruce, Lawrence, Lori Coffman (Terry), Eudora; sister, Deanne Benton; brother, Gary L. Wilson (Stephanie); six grandchildren, Tim Bruce (Ami), Andy Coffman, Jimmy Bruce, Ashley Markley (Corey), Lora Bruce, Michael Bruce (Emma Lyne) and five great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Ruth Wilson and granddaughter, Kimberly.
Memorial Contributions may be made in his name to Eudora United Methodist Church and/or The Lawrence Humane Society and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
The family will greet friends at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service on Saturday, October 19th at the Eudora United Methodist Church.
We are so sorry for your loss. We are so very glad we met Sweet Lips and became friends. We enjoyed his Music! Norm and Charli Allee
I am so sorry for your loss! Jimmy was truly a special man, good friend and great musician. He will be missed! You are in my thoughts.
Lori and Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Words just don’t do justice for how much I appreciate the time spent with you and your family and your parents. Praying for you all and hoping for God’s blessings and healing during these difficult times to come.
Love Butch & Kate Gilliam and Ally James
I am so sorry The Schultz families want to send our deepest sympathies.
Your families are in our thoughts and prayers
My sincere condolences. Jimmy was such a fine example of how to treat others. He was a very kind man.
Until we all meet again in Heaven – rest in peace Jimmy. Sending our deepest sympathy and prayers to a wonderful family. Tom and Dee Jerome
Very sorry for your loss. He was a talented sax player who was loved by all. Prayers to your family .The Lazy Toad Jam won’t be the same.
Lynn, I am so sorry for the loss your your dad. I am so glad I got to see him perform a few times. He was so talented. My thoughts and prayers to you, your mom and your whole family.
I was very saddened that Jimmy passed I thought he would be back at the Lazy Toad Jam Again My Deepest Condolences to All the Family!! We lost a Special Human Being and a Very Loved Musician His Sweet Sound was Beautiful, Rich and Fat Iam Blessed to have known Him and Blessed to have Jammed with Him He will be in our Hearts and his Music in our Souls!! Thx Jimmy “Sweet ????Lips”Wilson RIP ???? Saxman “Oz” Zuniga ????????????
Sending prayers and sympathy to the family. Lonnie and Sharon Erwin.
Sending hugs and prayers to everyone. Love you all
Jimmy, you are in God’s band now- playing with the greats. You will be missed and your sax playing Will never be forgotten. God comfort your family.
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I only had the good fortune to know Jimmy for a short time, but I observed the reverence his fellow musicians had for his sounds and his presence. He welcomed every jammer and every fan. The world was a better place when he was with us. RIP, Jimmy
Jimmy should have been famous, he played room size with that horn better than any sax player I’ve heard in this area. My condolences to all who loved him.
Jimmy loved people and music and he was so good at both. He was a fun person to be around and a great family man. Prayers Marilyn for you and all the family you’re in our thoughts for sure.
So sorry for your loss. I will miss him. Loved listening to his music. He was a very kind man. Prayers for the family.
Carol from dining services at Lmh health.
What fun we have had sharing Jum and his music…celebrating that immense talent and loving soul. My prayers for you are that the Lord will send the Conforter to hold you and help you through losing Jimmy. I also pray that you will be filled with the knowledge, even as you grieve his passing, that you will know you will see him again; that this separation is not permanent…Our hearts goes out to you with all our love. Jimmy was a bright light in my life (and Michael’s) as he was to so many!
I will miss him…very much as will so many! God bless and keep you –Kim & Michael Murphree
My heart broke this morning when I read of Jimmy’s passing!! He was truly an amazing man, a wonderful musician and a credit and a blessing to all who knew him!! His wife and love, Marilyn, and his children, Lynn and Lori, were the lights and loves of his existence! I will miss his humor, his kindness and his music for the rest of my days. The world has lost a true light!
I am so saddened to read about Jim in the paper this morning. Everyone loved Jim and being his friend. My heart aches for his precious family. Marilyn, Lynn and Lori. This is a huge loss.
Eudora has indeed lost one of the best people to ever reside in this city. God bless the family, especially Lynn, Lori, and Miss Marylyn. Mitch & Ruby Rider
Jimmy and I only saw each other every five years or so, because I live in California, but we were soul brothers, mostly because of the music. I have admired Jimmy since I was in the ninth grade, then we became friends and I learned not only to admire but to love him. I feel a great loss. I think the heavens go silent when a musician dies. but then the new tenor guy gets to sit in. I know that the world becomes a little less magical when a musician departs to join to other band, something very special is lost even to those who never knew him. I treasure the sax track he did on my CD a few years ago “Precious Lord Take My Hand.” and now he has. Bob Morley
Marilyn, so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
The times I’ve been on stage with him was a pure delight. I as many will surely miss Sweet Lips and his kindness and professionalism. Prayers to family words cannot feel the loss I’m feeling today. I promise to Hit you Man God bless you and keep you til it’s our time to meet once again.
Rest in PeAcE Brother…..
Always an interesting good time with Jimmy, early on basketball,hunting,enjoying his sax, and our time in the Odd Fellow Lodge. Fond memories,,,,love to the family
I always enjoyed jamming with Jimmy. I met Jimmy at Cutters Smoke House Jam, he made me feel like one of the guys, I will truly miss him.
My heart is saddened. Jimmy will be truely missed. Im glad i had so many years to hear the wonderful music he he shared with us.
True magic when he’d let those notes rise into the air! So glad to have known him! May God bless Marilyn and his family.
Holly and Lee
Jim always listened joked and cared with his whole heart His music made you feel like even you could dance. Thank you to Marilyn , Lynn and Lori for sharing a true gentlemen. Love to you Aunt Marilyn
Michelle and I are so sorry for the Wilson family’s loss. Prayers for everyone. I know he will be missed and I will miss his stories when we both were out mowing yards.
Condolences and prayers to Marilyn, Lynn, Lori and extended family. So many fun memories of Jim and family, he will be missed and always remembered. Love to all.
This is one of the true great musicians. I will truly miss him and give my heartfelt condolences to his lovely wife and family.
Marilyn, Lynn, Lori and families,
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Jimmy’s passing. He was such a nice guy with a fun personality. He will be missed by all that knew him. I’m keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers????????
Marilyn,
My heart is heavy! It is 12:20am Tuesday morning and I am just learning of the horrible & sad news!
I am so sorry for your loss, the rest of your families loss and for the loss friends & music lovers too now know!
If there is one thing I can hang my hat (of course Jimmy’s hat too) on, is that my life has been enriched and blessed getting to know Jimmy. Hear his wonderful sax playing and by Jimmy’s & your marriage, I got to know you too and that too blessed my life!
Mariyn, Lynn, Lori Deanne, Gary and families. I am so sorry to hear about Jimmy. He was such a dynamic person. First I knew him as Grandma’s neighbor then as a such a great saxophone player.
Always loved to sit near him in church and hear his beautiful voice. I loved to hear Ruth telling mom she’d went to hear him play. He must be in a great big band now!! Prayers for comfort. God will get you through this difficult time. Cindy
Big John & Deby
We’ve known you so long. Don’t even when we me I think it was Hooligan Bay Resort when we were playing. You Said That Our Saxophonist Kenny “G” Glover made you get your horn out and start playing again. And we’re so glad that you did . Had more fun playing with you and of course playing
Honky Tonk . Deby And I love you and Marilyn and your family . You will be playing with Jimmy Queen And Lonnie
Patterson . It was a pleasure on knowing you and working with you.
Rest In Peace My Friend until we meet again ????❤️????
Wilson Family,
May you be comforted in knowing that he lives in your hearts forever and you will one day be together again. Heaven is a little bit brighter now with his presence. We will always remember him with the gold “bling” around his neck and his saxophone in hand. God Bless.
Becky & Steve
It was an honor to know this man and his family. His memory is etched.
The sax was his instrument, but his kind heart and smile will be missed.
Sorry for ur loss he will be greatly missed. He was a great person
Lots of memories. Sending my deepest sympathy and prayers to a wonderful family. May our Lord be with you during this difficult time and bring comfort.
Gary
A great man and mentor. I will miss him
Thanks for everything, Jim Wilson. Thanks for playing in Used Parts with Bud. He loved playing with you. Thanks for all the gigs and jams you organized. Thanks for paying the band always before yourself. I am grateful Marilyn was always there. Grateful to have known your family and the entire Wilson entourage. ( You know who you are.) Thanks for all the little greeting kisses you gave me. Thanks for dancing with me. Thanks for all the beers you bought me, all the times you fed us. Most of all, thanks for all the tenor sax that fell upon my ears. I just got lucky I guess.
Lynn & Family,
Thinking of you all at this very sad time & praying you will find peace and comfort in all of your wonderful memories.
Jimmy touched everyone he met with his great musical talent and inspired so many lives, his music lives on.
Remember how much he loved you all and that he is always with you.
“Where words fail, music speaks.”
Kenna
George & Marie O’Brien:
Marilyn and family, we are so saddened by your loss. Jimmie was a wonderful guy and a great musician. He was most of all a great family man. We know how much his loss will be to all his family. Knowing Sweet Lips was one of the finest memories we will ever have from our time at the lake. God bless you all and especially Jim.
???? ???? Jimmy was a wonderful friend. I knew him only for 11 years, but, he’s got a big place in my heart with countless memories to cherish. I’m going to miss him. 🙁 Marilyn, I’m sure you already know this, but, he was so very proud of all of you and the girls & grandkids. On many occasions he was nearly in tears telling me how rich his life was because of you all. My sincere condolences to you all, and to De, Gary, all of Jimmy’s family & dear friends.
Wail on forever Jimmy! Jammed with him on several occasions, what a great player. Enjoy the view from paradise Jimmy, enjoy the jam of the ages.
Jimmy,
You are the Man.
I admire your musical chops AND your extraordinary stories over the decades of music in the NE Kansas Area and beyond AND yout Manly decision to be there for Your wife and child in the face of diversion opportunities that we’re tempting but would have pulled you away.
We benefitted locally from you Music and your Heart, we are feeling strongly the loss of your Spirit in our would and relish your Spirit in our memories and Hearts.
It breaks my heart to think that we no long have Jimmy Wilson. Jimmy was ahead of me in school three years and he was my sports hero growing up.
I will never forget Sweet Lips! God took home one of His best! BDOP
Had a lot of good memories with Jimmy growing up as he helped coach our softball team when we were young. I will miss seeing him around town. Thinking of Marilyn, Lynn and Lori during this sad time of their lives.
To Jimmy’s Family –
Eudora will miss this man – such a mainstay – not only his wonderful music but his loyalty to family and community. A dedicated Eudora Cardinal forever.
Lynn and family,
So sorry for your loss. May God grant you peace at this difficult time.
To Jimmy’s Family:
As a friend and classmate of Jimmy’s from Eudora High, Fran and I wish to offer our thoughts, condolences and prayers in Jimmy’s passing. Although our paths almost never crossed after graduation, I shall always remember Jimmy as my high energy classmate who loved life, his music (THE SAX) and his family–And i will not forget our conversation at our recent 60 year class reunion. You will be missed by all of us who knew and loved you.
Bob and Fran Vigna
Punta Gorda, Fl
Jimmy was so talented and an inspiration to all fortunate enough to hear him play. Great-hearted man as well. His legacy will live on by the fond memories that will be cherished by those who knew him. Condolences to Marylyn, family, and all his friends. He will be missed.
As I am sure we all do, I feel an emptiness, having learned of Jimmy’s passing. An amazing sax player, and great guy.
I remember him from his time with the Receders. Such a soulful player, he will be missed .