Jack Wilson

JACK WILSON July 23, 1934 – January 22, 2022 Jack Wilson, 87, of Fairfield, California. Jack was the only child of the late Claude Wilson and Doris Ludwig Wilson, born in San Francisco on July 23, 1934. He passed away at home in Fairfield, California on January 22, 2022. Jack moved to Vallejo at age 6, when his father opened Claude Wilson Ford in 1940. His dad engendered his great love of the outdoors; happy childhood memories were created hunting, camping, and fishing with him. Jack became accomplished tournament skeet shooter at a young age, winning many awards including a state championship. After graduating from Vallejo High School in 1952, he attended Stanford University. He graduated in 1956 with a degree in Economics, and a tight circle of friends from the Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Never one for formalities, he joined the Marine Corps Reserve while at Stanford because they were the only branch of the service that did not require their cadets wear a uniform to class. Following Officer Candidate School in Quantico, he was an Infantry Unit Leader, stationed primarily in Okinawa. He earned his expert medals with his service rifle and pistol and won the title of Marine Corps School Skeet Shooting Champion. He proudly displayed the winner’s silver ice bucket from the latter in his home throughout his life. His service in the Corps remained one of his proudest accomplishments, and he lived their motto “Semper Fi” throughout his life, whether dealing with his family, his business, his friends, or his community. Jack returned to Stanford and obtained his MBA in 1960 following two years of active duty. He married Shirley Cornelius later that year, and they shared 61 wonderful years together. He operated the Vallejo Ford dealership for 45+ years, most of that time with his brother-in-law and partner, Glenn Cornelius. Together they purchased the local Toyota store in 1979 from the retiring dealer over lunch at The Cactus restaurant. They made the deal on a paper napkin. He was proud of the success the store achieved over the years and was able to stay active in the business through his final days. Jack adamantly supported his community. He was active in many local civic and charitable organizations. Notably, Jack was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Past President of the Vallejo Lions Club and Green Valley Country Club, as well as a member of the California Masons, and a sponsor for youth sports teams. Above all, he was most proud of his fundraising work with Omega Boys and Girls Club in Vallejo. Jack’s favorite pastimes included spending time at the White Mallard, barbecuing on the deck in Lake Tahoe, and spoiling his wife any way he could. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Shirley Wilson, his daughter Jennifer (Toby Pontin) Wilson, his son Jeff (Vickie) Wilson, and his grandchildren Jack Wilson, Olivia Wilson, Fiona Pontin, and Garrett Pontin. Funeral services will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held later this year. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Greater Vallejo Recreation District at gvrd.org; Ducks Unlimited-Vallejo Benicia Chapter, 543 Watson Ct., Benicia, CA 94510, or any other organization to benefit the community Arrangements entrusted to the direction and care of Twin Chapels Mortuary, Vallejo (707) 552-6696. www.TwinChapelsMortuary.com

Jack Wilson

July 23, 1934 - January 22, 2022