Borrego Sun - Since 1949

Borrego Loses A Mighty Friend

Thank You, Jim Wilson

 

Last updated 8/4/2024 at 8:40am

On July 24, Borrego Springs lost one of its finest, whose legacy surrounds us and reminds us daily of the tremendous difference one person can make in a lifetime. In his 20+ years in our town, Jim Wilson touched almost every aspect of life in Borrego Springs from our cherished Christmas Circle to our water issues to numerous institutions serving our community.

Born on July 21, 1931, in Spokane, Washington, the family moved to Seattle where Jim studied engineering at the University of Washington. He then began his career with Boeing in Seattle and later transferred to the Wichita division to assist in the startup of the B-52 program. It was here that Jim met his wife, Lauraine.

He and Lauraine moved to San Diego in 1956 where he worked for Ryan Aeronautical and after one year, Jim was recruited by the Rohr Corporation in Chula Vista. He worked here in a variety of managerial roles for 32 years, eventually as President of Quality Assurance. One notable managerial position Jim held was Director of Customer Support, where he was responsible for spare part sales, a $45,000,000 business, managing agreements with all major airlines.

Jim retired in 1989 and by that time, he and Lauraine had already discovered the Anza Borrego Desert RVing with friends in Blair Valley. They both were struck with the incredible beauty, mountains, vistas, and serenity of the desert. With their RV parked at the Roadrunner, they eventually sold their San Diego home and purchased a home at the Roadrunner.

Retirement in the traditional sense never crossed Jim's mind. As he looked into the next chapter of his life, he believed that if a person does not do something to keep his mind going, the mind would go stale. He also loved working with others to get things done..... and that is exactly what Jim did for the next 20 years!

Where does one begin to describe Jim's passion for Borrego Springs and his active involvement? Perhaps Christmas Circle Community Park where Jim's leadership resulted in his receipt of San Diego County's 2016 Park and Recreation Champion Award. Under his guidance, Christmas Circle has become the heart of our village where people meet, Jeeps congregate for desert treks, Santa Claus arrives, parties are celebrated, humans and ravens cool off under the shade of trees and picnics are enjoyed.

Current Christmas Circle Foundation President Jeff Sloan states, "Jim made Christmas Circle what it is today. He analyzed what was needed, found funding, ordered and installed benches, ADA parking and bathrooms, scheduled bathroom cleaning along with tree trimming and grass cutting. He was tireless in his passion for ensuring that the Circle was here for everyone." Thank you, Jim.

Jim's 12 years as a member of ABDNHA (10 as Board Chair), saw the renovation and incredible transformation of the historic Plaza building connected to ABDNHA. These rooms were in horrible disarray and yet at one time had been the center of civic life in Borrego.

ABDNHA Executive Director Betsy Knaak stated, "Jim's leadership made this renovation possible. He was incredibly knowledgeable in all systems from electrical to sewer. He was hands-on, smart and practical and could work easily with anyone. He oversaw this entire process of transforming these once neglected and damaged historic set of rooms into state-of-the-art classrooms, offices, and meeting rooms. In addition, his expert engineering skills allowed the parking lot and garden to be constructed along the floodplain rules." Thank you, Jim.

Jim Wilson needs to be thanked for a plethora of other projects and responsibilities he undertook: Fifteen years secretary and vice president of BVEF (Borrego Valley Endowment Fund), 15 years on the Board of Trustees of the Community United Methodist Church, eight years on the Borrego Water Coalition (which eventually led to the successful Groundwater Management Plan), six years as President of the Roadrunner Club Association and Honorary Mayor from 2016 – 2018. Thank you, Jim.

Jim liked to describe Borrego as unique because of the people who live here. He said that the people here are experienced, talented folks who have had impressive careers, run companies, done things in all kinds of different fields.....people who will jump right in with those skills to do whatever needs to be done.

Jim just described himself! He is an example beyond words of an individual who used his expertise, his energy and his drive to make Borrego Springs a better place because he cared to make a difference. Thank you, Jim.

Jim passed away from heart failure at 93 years of age. He is survived by Lauraine, his wife of many years who shared that in addition to all that her husband did for this community, he took on an additional task of learning how to cook as she was wheelchair bound for the last five years. Jim and Lauraine have two sons, Brian and Gregory, as well as two grandchildren.

Donations in Jim's name can be made to:

Christmas Circle Community Park Foundation – PO Box 1025

ABDNHA – PO Box 310

Borrego Springs Community United Methodist Church - PO Box 1869 Borrego Springs 92004