01/14/14 - NNHS Newsletter - Mr. James P. Wilson, Jr.
James P. Wilson, Jr.
(16 Mar 1932 - 11 Jan 2014)
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01/14/14 - NNHS Newsletter - Mr. James P. Wilson, Jr.
James P. Wilson, Jr. |
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Dear
Friends and Schoolmates,
I am
deeply grieved to report this sad news.
Beloved former Newport
News High School band director and administrator
Mr. James
P. Wilson, Jr.,
passed
away at his home in Emporia on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at the age of 81.
Few people have
impacted my life more deeply than Mr. Wilson.
He will be greatly missed.
From the Richmond Times-Dispatch - 01/14/14:
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James
P. Wilson, Jr. |
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WILSON, James
P. Jr., of Emporia, Va., died peacefully Saturday, January 11, 2014, at
home after a long illness.
Jim was a life-long educator in Virginia. He began his career as the band director at Newport News High School, where his bands won numerous awards around the state. He became a school administrator in 1969 and served as an assistant principal and principal at several high schools in Virginia. He retired as principal from Greensville County High School in 1988. |
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After retirement, he taught at Southside Virginia Community College for 10 years. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara. He is also survived by his daughters, Stephanie Vassar (Tim) of Glen Allen, Va. and Meg Lumpkin (Brent) of Emporia; and his four grandchildren, Rachel Vassar, Mason Lumpkin, Isaac Vassar, and Haley Lumpkin. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to his caregiver, Joy Mallory, and to Crater Community Hospice. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, January 16 at Owen Funeral Home in Jarratt, Va. Visitation will be one hour prior to and one hour after the service.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Greensville Volunteer Rescue
Squad, P.O. Box 108, Emporia, Va. 23847. Online condolences may be made at
www.owenfh.com.
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January 14, 2014, 6:38 AM
~ Brenda Matthews, Emporia, Virginia January 14, 2014, 8:13 AM
~ Clayton and Louise Allen, Emporia, Virginia 23847 January 14, 2014
“When the Saints Go Marching In”. March on, Mr. Wilson, but keep
that line straight! Family, What a wonderful man who taught us Typhoons so much as our band director at NNHS, not just about music but about life – dedication, hard work, perseverance, teamwork, and caring to name just a few. I cannot watch a parade without thinking of him and how great he made our senior band sound and look, nothing like the lack of standards today. My grandchildren even know as we watch local parades and on T.V. how proud grandma is to have been a member of Mr. Wilson's band! May he rest in peace that he so deserves. Prayers are with your family at this time of your grief. Sincerely and with great sadness, Sherry Hensel Garcia Huycke ‘69 (Bell section and clarinet) Christine Hensel, Band Parent President ~ Sherry Hensel Huycke, Hampton, Virginia Contact Me
I am so sorry to hear this and can tell you that a
"great" man has passed on. Jim always had the
interest of his band students at heart even if he
threw a baton at you. He made our band as good as it
could be and I cannot think of anyone who could do
it better. I was a trumpet player in the NNHS Senior
Band in from 1958 through 1960 and am a bit
surprised to see that he is only 10 years older than
I am. Rest in peace Jim and get those choirs of
angels and their harps organized.
Al Simms NNHS Class of 1960 ~ Al Simms, Fredericksburg, Virginia Contact Me January 14, 2014, 12:25 PM So sorry to hear about Mr. Wilson's passing. I have many fond memories of band, Winchester, parades and games. He taught me more than music; being part of a group that was more than about me, and that actions have consequences. Thank you Mr. Wilson. John Howard, drummer NNHS '66
~ John and Cheryl Howard, Yorktown, Virginia
January 14, 2014, 12:29 PM
Stephanie, it has been my pleasure to meet you on facebook and share memories of
your dad through the Newport News High School Alumni group. Your dad was an
inspiration to so many of us who were there during his years as band director.
Those who were in the band had direct experience with him, but those of us who
weren't also felt his desire for all of us to be the best we could be. I'm so
glad my life was touched by him through the performances of his exceptional
bands and his example.
~
Jeanette McDonald Hornsby, West Columbia, South Carolina
January 14, 2014, 9:43 PM
Our deepest
sympathies to Mr. Wilson's family in your loss.
~ Mary Blandford McGehee, Baton Rouge, Louisiana January 14, 2014 10:14 PM Dear Mrs. Wilson and family, I graduated from NNHS in 1961 and was in the band with Mr. Wilson. He was a wonderful, kind and good man, and I treasure my memories of him and football games, parades and trips to Winchester. We had an award winning band and a fun and encouraging director. My sympathy and prayers are with all of you in his precious family. He loved all of you very much. Love, Patty Andrews Mays
Patty Andrews Mays,
Newport News, Virginia January 14, 2014, 11:01 PM
I graduated from Newport News High School in 1967. Mr. Wilson was my
band director for four years. He was such a special man and educator. I
respected and admired him above all the teachers I ever had. He was a leader of
young people that motivated and enriched all of our lives. His memory will live
for ever in all who knew him. January 15, 2014, 7:53 AM Mr. Wilson will never be forgotten by those whose lives he touched. He instilled confidence and helped develop character in so many of his students. I am one of those students. RIP, Mr. Wilson.
~ Mark Hutcherson, Roanoke, Virginia January 15, 2014, 8:36 AM I was one of the many who knew Mr. Wilson at NNHS. He was very supportive to me - I was head cheerleader, and he and I worked together to plan pep assemblies - eons ago! I'll always remember his compliments to me at a time when I was getting none from family. He made me believe I had possibilities. A person does not die if he lives in the hearts of those who knew him - Mr. Wilson will always live in my heart.
- Pam Arnold,
Williamsburg, Virginia January 15, 2014, 10:27 AM
~ Libby and Mike
Wells, United States January 15, 2014, 10:28 AM
Dear Ones - My heart
goes out to you in your loss. He has won the battle and is at peace now, but
even that knowledge does not fill the hole in your heart. Please know you'll be
in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.
~ Amelia Teel, Emporia, Virginia January 15, 2014, 11:02 AM My prayers and thoughts are with you. I will always remember what a wonderful band leader Mr. Wilson was. I was a junior varsity and varsity flagtwirler, 1964-1967. He took our band to great heights.
~ Joan Grepiotis Blanton, Greenville, North
Carolina January 15, 2014, 3:00 PM
Our years together at
NNHS were some of the greatest.
~
Coach Harlan/Joan Hott,
Moorefield, West
Virginia January 15, 2014, 5:15 PM My condolences to his family. You should know that the impression Mr. Wilson left on me in the early 1960's has stayed with me all my professional life. He taught me the importance of paying attention to the details and the wisdom of expecting absolute excellence from yourself and all of those around you. While he couldn't make me a great clarinet player, he certainly made me a much better person. I have always been in his debt. May God bless you.
~ Bobby Sprouse, Pueblo, Colorado January 15, 2014, 5:54 PM My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the Wilson family and their friends. I will always remember my days at Newport News High School and the endless hours I spent listening to our award winning Band led by Mr. Wilson. Our Class of 1964 had a lot of memories, but Mr. Wilson and the Band was one of the most Outstanding Memories I have.
~ Catherine Hudson, Newport News, Virginia
January 15, 2014,
6:57 PM
JP Wilson has always been and will always be a special part of my life. He
taught by example and demonstrated thru success. NNHS Band was known throughout
the southeast as one of the best. Oh, how I remember sore feet from the Sear's
parking lot, ringing in my ears from marching in the gym, long periods at
attention instead of parade rest, seat challenge days, Fanfare and Giant, Parade
of the Charioteers, March of the Olympians, Apple Blossom Time (all from
memory), that Winchester Parade turn to the grandstand, and most of all...pride
in what I was a part of...THE NEWPORT NEWS HIGH SCHOOL AWARD WINNING TYPHOON
MARCHING BAND. May God Bless you JP. You certainly blessed me and a lot of the
Typhoon Nation.
~
Charlie Snead,
Western North Carolina
January 15, 2014,
9:26 PM
May you find comfort in knowing that you are in our thoughts as you deal with one of life's most difficult phases. . . the death of a loved one. Bruce and Juliette Pair
~
Juliette F. Pair, Jarrett, Virginia
January 15,
2014
I have wonderful memories of the four years in the
Newport News High School Marching Band. I still get chills when I
remember marching under the goal posts playing GIANT. Mr. Wilson was
himself a gentle giant. He was kind, yet firm and worked tirelessly
to make our band the best in the state year after year. It was an
honor to know him and to play music for him. My prayers are with
your family.
Dee Hodges Bartram, Class of 1966 ~ Dee Bartram, Poquoson, Virginia Contact Me January 15, 2014
You inspired many. Rest In Peace, Mr.
Wilson.
~ Mark Hutcherson, Roanoke, Virginia January 16, 2014
Prayers and deepest sympathy to the Wilson Family.
I remember Mr. Wilson when he was an assistant principal at Menchville HS in Newport News. My memories of him are of a very fine man dedicated to his job. Rest In Peace, Sir. ~ Bryan Bowyer, Newport News, Virginia Contact Me January 16, 2014
We were both saddened upon learning of the passing
Mr. Wilson. He certainly was one of our favorite teachers and
mentors at NNHS. Many fond memories of him and his Typhoon Marching
Band.
~ Pauline and Ed Perry, Knoxville, Tennessee January 16, 2014, 10:36 AM
~ Judith P. Epps, Emporia, Virginia
January 16, 2014, 3:09 PM
~ Jerry and Stephanie (Mincey) Owens, Sr., Upper Marlboro, Maryland January 16, 2014, 6:12 PM To Barbara and family: You have lost a good husband, father and friend to many. Our sincere sympathy go out to all of you for your great loss.
~
Tommy and Ann Crewe,
Emporia, Virginia January 16, 2014
I remember the wonderful times in the marching band at NNSY. Mr.
Wilson lead us to many awards and made us a team.
~ Joe Hogue January 16, 2014 Sorry to hear of the passing of the 'King Bee' and 'Head Ram'. Mr. Wilson was the principal at James Blair when it closed as a high school and the first principal of Lafayette High School in Williamsburg. He gave me my start in teaching and coaching when he became the principal at King William High School and I had the opportunity to teach Meg years ago. 'RIP' Mr. Wilson - "you had old 'MOJO' working for us during that magical '73 LHS football season. January 16, 2014
I was in the NNHS band with J.P.,
as we called him, from 1959 to 1963. I know he will be missed by
many. May he rest in peace. ~ Tom Payne, Williamsburg, Virginia January 16, 2014 
My Sincere Sympathy to the family of
someone who was the best Band
Director in Virginia. The Trophies
he earned filled more than one case
at NNHS. How could you ever forget a
man that had you marching on a dusty
field from 7:15 AM-8:30 AM with
little or no time to get to your
homeroom. Oh yes, I hoped I could
get my feet washed. Ten Years ago,
Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were guests at
the 40-year reunion of the Class of
1964. It was so great to see him. As
he spoke, I had tears in my eyes
wondering if he had any idea the
impact he had on our class. Of
course we won everything possible,
played the hardest music, and were
the proudest of our Band Director.
His gift to the Class of 1964
brought cheers. "Who wanted a candy
bar?" I know band members were to
pass them out so it was okay that I
have two in my refrigerator.So the time has come to say good bye. I hope I can be in your band on the other side. ~ Linda L. Lane, Williamsburg, Virginia January 18, 2014
Please accept my condolences for the
loss of your loved one. During times of
grief, allow God to comfort you and your
family for he truly understands what you
are going through. (Psalms 72:12-14)
~ Patty
January
18,
2014
Dear Family, Many are saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Wilson. He was one of the most influential teachers at NNHS. He was a great person and a great band director. I never look at a marching band with checking the ranks, files and particularly the diagonals, judging all bands by our award-winning band. Our concert band was excellent, too, because Mr. Wilson led us to be the very best! Band was very important to many. Mr. Wilson is gone, but not forgotten, as he lives on in our memories. Sincerely, Donna Price Devers '66 Clarinet section and Music Dept. secretary ~ Donna Price Devers, Cary, North Carolina January 20, 2014 Sympathy and Condolences
to Mrs. Barbara Wilson and
family on the passing of
your loved one.
January
21,
2014
I remember with
fondness how Mr.
Wilson prepared
and conditioned
us so very well
for parade
competitions by
way of many
disciplined
marching/playing
practices in a
nearby parking
lot in all kinds
of weather. I do
not recall ever
being nervous
before or during
any of the
Shenandoah Apple
Blossom Festival
parades in which
we competed,
because Mr.
Wilson inspired
such confidence
and team work.
He chose
magnificent
pieces of music
for us to play,
fine tuned us to
produce a deep
rich band music
sound, and led
our Typhoon
Marching Band to
victory multiple
times in the
above mentioned
festival
parades. March
of the
Charioteers and
This is My
County gave me a
great thrill
each time we
played this
music while
marching in
formation, and
Victory At Sea
in a concert.
Mr. Wilson was a
wonderful
inspiring coach.
He required us
to be
respectful, be
on time,
practice, and no
chewing gum. We
worked hard and
he arranged for
us to have fun
too, like a
field trip to
the Luray
Caverns.
I sorrow for your loss. May God solace you all with his perfect love and peace. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Alice Goldsmith Gentry NNHS Class of 1964 I'm still a flute player
~ Alice
Gentry,
Earlysville,
Virginia
January 21, 2014
January
24,
2014 I have great memories of Mr. Wilson in his Band at N.N.H.S. May God give you comfort as you go through the days ahead. Mr. Wilson will be greatly missed.
~ Unsigned
January 27, 2014, 9:49 AM
My
brother Joe and I share your loss. Mr. Wilson had a great influence on us during
our Newport News High School days. We were both announcers for the Newport News
High School Typhoon Marching Band in 1960 and 1961. Mr. Wilson demanded and
received excellence from the band. The band received many honors because of his
leadership and mentorship.
~
February
14,
2014 
M |
Our deepest sympathies
are extended to Mr. Wilson's family, friends, and former students at this difficult
time.
Y'all take good care of each other! TYPHOONS FOREVER! We'll Always Have
Buckroe!Love to all, Carol
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NNHS CLASS OF '65 WEB SITE:
http://www.nnhs65.com
PERSONAL WEB SITE:
http://www.angelfire.com/weird2/cluckmeat
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Carol Buckley
Harty
7020 Lure Court
Fayetteville, NC 28311-9309
915-780-3048
Onward Christian Soldiers
Words by Sabine
Baring Gould in Church Times, 1865
Music (St. Gertrude) by Arthur S. Sullivan, 1871
Onward Christian soldiers,
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before!
Christ, the royal Master,
Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
See His banner go!
Chorus:
Onward, Christian soldiers,
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before!
2. At the sign of triumph
Satan's host doth flee;
On, then, Christian soldiers,
On to victory!
Hell's foundation quiver
At the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices,
Loud your anthems raise!
Chorus:
3. Like a mighty army
Moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading
Where the saints have trod;
We are not divided;
All one body we
One in hope and doctrine,
One in charity.
Chorus:
4. Onward, then, ye people,
Join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices
In the triumph song;
Glory, laud, and Honor,
Unto Christ the King;
This thro' countless ages
Men and angels sing.
Chorus:
"Onward Christian Soldiers" midi and lyrics courtesy of
http://ingeb.org/spiritua/onwardch.html - 04/16/07Greg Olsen Paintings courtesy of
http://gregolsengallery.com – 01/27/05Animated Army Flag clip art courtesy of http://www.angelfire.com/ny4/KevsGifsGalore/Patriotic.html - 06/18/03
Musical Divider Line clip art courtesy of http://www.fortunecity.com/tinpan/eltonjohn/561/indexoldies2.html - 05/06/09
So
sorry for your loss. He was a great man but he is at peace now. Prayers
for all of you during this sad time.
We
were so sorry to hear of your loss. Keeping all of you in our thoughts
and prayers.
Meg and
family, So sorry for your loss..... your dad, husband, grandfather.. was a
wonderful person. Classes at Southside were so rewarding because of him.. he was
so encouraging... we will always have fond memories!
To Meg and Family
May the love and strength of God keep you in
your time of need. Stay encouraged.