James Kepler Wilson, (1948 - 2015) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make

67 years old
Born on June 22, 1948
Passed away on July 15, 2015

This memorial website was created in memory of our friend, James Wilson. He will be missed. We are grateful for our time with him and for the legacy he left.

Celebration of Life:

Date: Sunday, August 2, 4 pm - 8 pm

Place: Mono Lake County Park

More information can be found on the "His Life" tab above.

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July 19, 2015

As so many of us can attest, James truly was such a bright light; living a life in line with all he believed. And he so clearly enjoyed it all- such happiness emanated from him whenever I saw him.

I will forever carry with me the kindness, wisdom and generosity of spirit he bestowed on me and my family, especially our daughter, as well as his incredible ability to extend his energy to other beings and this land we all love so much.

Thank you, James, for all that you have done and the inspiration that will continue to flow in your wake.

July 19, 2015

James I am so sad. Remembering Berkley, the Ski Hut, climbing weekends in Yosemite. Making the decision to move to the East Side.
You and Kay staying with us until you found a rental, Hanby I think? Mostly I will miss your amazing skill at dealing with opposing views and not losing your cool, I want to do that someday. You are loved by so many. The mountains and birds will continue to sustain you.

July 19, 2015

James always represented the best of Bishop to me. The Baniff Film Festival was such an unexpected treat for my family every year. He added to the community with projects but also with consistently treating individuals with kindness and respect. He left such a deep imprint on Bishop, he will never be completely gone.

July 19, 2015

The James Wilson and Heindel family tapestry

In 1972 we moved to the Owens Valley and very quickly heard of James Wilson, a Renaissance man and lover of all things wild and bringing people together to make it even better. Our paths began crossing at Eastside Sports and in the field. We were always awed with his intellect, compassion, and persuasive ideas. We moved overseas for a decade and returned, back into the fold with James at the helm. We grew closer and relied on each other for ideas and support of various environmental and conservation projects. The 25 years since our return has sped by like a bullet for all of us, and while some judge the accomplishments as highly successful, many of us feel that we've only just begun. James had so much he wanted to do.
So many have done so much for so long for the Eastern Sierra that to single out one person, or one couple, for recognition seemed to us to be undeserved. We were coerced by Barb Kelley and Mike Prather to accept such an award for our avian contributions. Then we were told that James would be making the presentation. We are so grateful that it was our decades-long friend whom we adored who would make this embarrassment bearable. We are equally grateful that Skandar Reid videotaped the entire afternoon and has edited out James's powerful and poetic presentation for all to enjoy (See Gallery:video). While James gave us countless gifts, this speech and the long hugs that came afterwards gave us love that you usually only get from some family members! A beautiful giant has fallen but his echoes will reverberate as long as there is an Eastern Sierra.

July 19, 2015

Mountain-lovers who find a way to live in Bishop are very fortunate.

Because of James, I was able to move there and stay for many years. While traveling through the Eastside in 1980, I lost my boots at a trailhead. When I was shopping for new ones at the old Eastside Sports store location, I asked James and his partner Rick Wheeler for a job. They hired me, and so began my long acquaintance with James.

To support his own love of wild mountains and deserts, he (and wife Kay and present-owner Chris) built the original small store into the institution that it now is, argueably one of the best mountain shops on the planet. He acheived this, and worked hard to preserve wildlife and natural places, while spending more time hiking and climbing and skiing and biking than anyone I know.

His imprint on the Eastern Sierra, and the influence of his personal example on those of us who knew him, will last.

July 19, 2015

I juat can't stop thinking how I will miss James -- I often said hi as he and Tim passed me on a bike ride out to Round Valley -- He and Kay shared guffaws in dancing class with Sophie and me. What a ready smile and a kind word for all -- a true pillar of the community. My deepest sympathies to Kay and the family. Much love to all of you.

July 18, 2015

I wanted to share this with everyone.
Oh Very Young by Cat Stevens

Oh very young
What will you leave us this time?
You're only dancing on this earth for a short while
And though your dreams may toss and turn you now
They will vanish away like your daddy's best jeans
Denim blue fading up to the sky
And though you want them to last forever
You know they never will
You know they never will
And the patches make the goodbye harder still
Oh very young
What will you leave us this time?
There'll never be a better chance to change your mind
And if you want this world to see a better day
Will you carry the words of love with you?
Will you ride the great white bird into heaven?
And though you want to last forever
You know you never will
You know you never will
And the goodbye makes the journey harder still
Will you carry the words of love with you?
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
Oh very young
What will you leave us this time?
You're only dancing on this earth for a short while
Oh very young
What will you leave us this time?
Songwriters
YUSUF ISLAM, CAT STEVENS

July 18, 2015

I have, and always will have, a tremendous amount of respect for James Wilson, as a person and as a business person. I will truly miss hearing his stories of birding not only in the Eastern Sierra but far flung places. You will be greatly missed James. RIP

July 18, 2015

Back in '81, I was a Helitack Crewman at Independence. When we weren't careening through the Sierra in well-used helicopters we would head into Bishop in search of burritos, beer, and gear, inevitably ending up at Wheeler and Wilsons. I thought that James was the coolest guy. He had hiked the trails, done the climbs and got to live in this outrageous place by selling us the gear we wanted. After I started working with the Mono Lake Committee I began to get the bigger picture about James. I saw how much time and effort he devoted towards conservation efforts in Inyo and Mono Counties. While many need diplomas or certificates to chronicle their accomplishments, James would need a satellite photo, because his efforts really helped change the face of the earth... for the better. Deb and I send our respects and most heartfelt condolences to Kay and Rose.

July 18, 2015

We enjoyed James dropping into our business and we enjoyed dropping into Eastside Sports as well. For the past 10 years I have dropped his Inyo Register to him and his wife, being the paper delivery person for that area. I will continue to remember him as I drive by and feel the loss. My condolences to Kay. His love for her was very evident.

July 18, 2015

The friendship that developed with James soon after arriving at Berkeley in 1969 is a precious standout experience of my life. Having arrived from New Jersey without words such as backpack or taco in my vocabulary, James nonetheless shared his unreserved friendship which opened the door to having a life abundant with hiking, climbing and birding. Moreover, he introduced me to many warm and caring people. James’ varied successes, whether personal, business, philanthropic or other, result in part due to his caring values and innate wisdom about what is important in life, and reflect the best of humankind. James - Thank You for All

July 18, 2015

I only recently came to know James and Kay through birding out and about here on the east side. I am new to birding, and I am unable to describe just how much my life has changed- for the best- since I became completely fascinated by our feathered friends. I am forever thankful for my short time birding with James, which includes a very special memory of us both witnessing a female American redstart adorably digging through leaf litter whilst looking for food. James' excitement in that moment was intoxicating....

I will miss James immensely, and his influence on me will not be forgotten. James helped remind me that my love for the Range of Light will never stop growing. My deepest condolences to Rose, Bay, Ansel and Kay. Thank you so much, James.

July 18, 2015

I will miss James..his wit, support and encouragement through his community service, his kindness when I would go into "Wilson's" in helping me find just the right item I was looking for. He is and will be missed.

July 17, 2015

It was always so obvious to me how much James loved everyday in every way and greeted the world with a wonderful sense of humor, awe, never-ending curiosity and respect. He loved his family first and foremost. What a void this community will face.... Friends of the Inyo, ESLT, Banff, ICA, Audubon and so on. Fly Free, Fly Like a Bird.

July 17, 2015

I'm not a believer in reincarnation, but when I heard of James' passing this morning, I thought instantly about a lone white pelican for some reason. Driving out towards rocking K a couple hours later this morning, I saw a flock of of them soaring in the sky high ahead, winking in and out of sight in the morning sun. A coincidence, surely, but it helped me grapple with the loss of a man who I admired greatly, imagining him like the birds, migrating onwards.

July 17, 2015

I first met James in Wheeler's Boot Repair--a dark little hole in the wall, but the guys behind the counter had big smiles on their faces which kind of lit up the place. Dan and I and my dog Luke had the pleasure of sharing a little backpacking trip in to the Whites (Cottonwood Canyon) with James, and a hike up Grouse Mountain one winter. I know there are photos of those trips, but they're in the form of slides in a box somewhere--and forever in our hearts. Bishop won't be the same community without him. It's a profound loss. We were lucky to have him for many good years.

July 17, 2015

SOMEWHERE, A SONGBIRD TRILLS HER MOST ELOQUENT SONG IN APPRECIATION AND TRIBUTE TO YOU.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GIFTS. WE MISS YOU.

July 17, 2015

James was a true Champion for the Eastern Sierra. His passing will be deeply mourned by many, for a long, long time.
James helped me prep for a year-long trip, and I'll never forget his wisdom, sparkling eyes, humor and live for his family. Blessings on this next journey....

July 17, 2015

More than any person I have ever known James lived the philosophy of Aldo Leopold's land ethic. His passing has left a huge hole in my life.

July 17, 2015

James was such a driving force for our east side environment, advocating on behalf of the wilderness he so loved. He leaves behind a legacy that all of us are better for....as well as a huge hole in our hearts. Forever Missed...indeed. Journey on, James....

July 17, 2015

Many years ago, I asked about when the store was open. His response still makes me smile.
With a twinkle if his eye, he said, "Nine to nine, nine days a week."

July 17, 2015

James, I am sending you so much gratitude...for what you contributed to my life personally (I am one of the many who considers you both a friend and mentor), to the community of the Eastern Sierra, and to the wild places for which you worked so tirelessly. You leave a HUGE mark as well as a HUGE hole. I feel so blessed to have shared time with you adventuring in the great outdoors, attending many FOI meetings, as well as the generous time you spent mentoring me as a business owner. Tearfully: thank you, miss you.

July 17, 2015

I will remember the smile and the twinkle in his eyes when James told me that he was going to be a Grandpa! James has touched so many people throughout the years. Thank you James, you will always be a great part of this amazing place that you love.

July 17, 2015

I didn't see James that much but was always delighted when I did. I am sorry he died so young. No one said life was fair but this stinks.

July 17, 2015

I got to hang with James on cleanup duty at the soup kitchen over the last couple of years. He’d say things like “man, I love doing dishes…there’s always a tangible end product”. It made me realize that people like him who consistently involve themselves in their community through various modes of service (Friends of the Inyo, Rotary, Machik, Mammoth Medical Missions, etc., etc., etc.) have to have this realization that most of the time there are no shiny goal end products to what you’re doing. Most of the time you don’t know how it’s going to work out…if the kitchen is going to be clean by the end of the day. Once you decide that something is worth it, the fact that it’s going to be easy or hard no longer matters…you dive in and take one dish at a time.
Then he’d talk about his trips with Kay and their friends or how psyched he was to see Rose, Bay, and Ansel or about these obscure climbs he’d put up and adventures he’d had with the old-schoolers. There seemed to be such a beautiful balance to his life. Business, service, family, friends, community, humor, presence. My wife says he was a “quiet, gentle force”. I like that…a quiet, gentle force of inspiration against apathy and monotony.

July 17, 2015

James was a giant in our community. A leader - solid and reliable. He could talk when he wanted but was always ready to listen. He was soft spoken and respectful. His opponents were as lucky to be dealing with him as his friends were to be represented by him. We are so blessed to have had him for as long as we did.

July 17, 2015

The board and staff at Inyo Council of the Arts are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of James Wilson. Our hearts go out to Kay, Rose, Bayard, Ansel, and all of those who were touched by James. In addition to James’ love for wild places and the Eastern Sierra, he was also a champion of music and art. James and Kay brought the Banff Film Festival to Bishop 20+ years ago as a fundraiser for the Millpond Music Festival. We don’t know if Millpond would be celebrating its 24th year without their efforts. We were proud to dedicate the 2007 Millpond Festival to James and Kay. In addition to the many thousands of dollars donated over the years, James shared our passion for bringing world class music and film to our remote area that he loved so much. James loved that his support brought performers from around the world to all of our local schools to share their art and cultures with Inyo County students. His easy approach to life, love for his family and community, and generous spirit inspire us all. His impact on the Arts Council, and the entire Eastern Sierra is immeasurable. Thank you Mr. Wilson, we love and will miss you immensely.

July 17, 2015

Undoubtedly the nicest person I've ever known. A gracious, thoughtful, and compassionate example of what we all should aspire to.

July 17, 2015

I will truly miss getting to know James better. His dry wit and obvious love for Kay made the room brighter each time I saw him. Much love to a wonderful man, Kay, and family.

July 17, 2015

James lived life with purpose, passion and love. I always had the utmost respect for all he accomplished as a business owner, a protector of the environment, a supporter of the community, a Rotarian and besides being an avid birder, rock climber and hiker he was a darn good ballroom dancer. The world lost an incredible human being. Thank you James for all you did.

July 17, 2015

I remember running into James at a yard sale at which there were hundreds of books for sale. James looked like a kid in a candy store as the pile of books in his arms stacked higher and higher until it covered his face and he finally had to start a pile on the floor.

July 17, 2015

Thank you, James, for your enduring friendship, kindness and generosity. Thank you for all you did to preserve and protect our beloved Eastern Sierra. Thank you for inspiring me.

Farewell, my friend. I will miss you so much.

July 16, 2015

My favor moment in James' life, several Plein Artist were having dinner with Kay at the Seasons in Lone Pine. When James came quietly across the floor and placed his arms around Kay and kissed her sweetly on her head. I will always remember this action of love.
Pat Crowther

July 16, 2015

“Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely.”- Buddha

James lived wisely, dedicated to what he believed in, sharing what he believed in and living a life he believed in. His humorous, feisty, curious, and compassionate character will live on vicariously through all of those who were lucky enough to know him. Although he is gone, his spirit will always be here, in the places he loved and shared.

July 16, 2015

I enjoyed knowing James for most of my life. I thought of him as a role model for aspiring business people, conservationists and those who love all things wild and natural. A typical conversation likely included economics, fishing (known passion of mine), knives, finely crafted objects, coin collecting, travel, recent bird sightings, kids, planned hikes, and some wry humor jokes mixed in.

July 16, 2015

James was always so kind to my family. Our son thought of himself as James' personal helper during the raffle at Banff - a small job that gave our boy a lot of confidence and pride.

James gave me a hug on my first hike after I got two new hips. It was so generous and so human. I was really touched by and so grateful for that interaction.

His love for Kay, Roseanne, family, and the Valley was wonderful to behold.

We will miss his gentle spirit.

July 16, 2015

I remember – I think it was his fortieth birthday or thereabouts. I had to climb the East Buttress of Mt. Whitney, which I had never done before but had to guide the next week. Somehow I convinced James that he and I should go do it in a day, car to car. We did it but at his birthday party neither of us could walk down stairs because our legs were so sore.

July 16, 2015

He just loved being outdoors, climbing, skiing, road bicycling, and especially birding. Birding with him sometimes was like going to Disneyland with a small child. We’d see some cool bird and he’d start going off “oh oh oh oh my god it’s a Caspian Tern!” “oh oh oh! Todd! Todd! Get on this bird I think it’s a Barrow’s Goldeneye!!!”.

July 16, 2015

I worked for James & Rick (and later just James when the shop became Wilson's Eastside Sports) for a few years in Bishop. James was such a pleasure to work for. He inspired a strong work ethic and earned loyalty and respect without ever raising his voice. He was quiet and gentle, but every once in awhile you could see sparks from the strong fire within that fueled his passions for adventure, the environment, business and so much more. He was one of the few people that showed me, through fine example, how to walk through life, and how actions and deeds speak so much louder than words and bombast. I truly regret that I was never able to tell him that.

July 16, 2015

James sent me a card when my best friend passed last year. It says:

"We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand - and melting like a snowflake. How I wish we could make time stand still...."

July 16, 2015

I will miss talking about birds, books, plants , and the Lakers with James.
Jack Crowther

July 16, 2015

When I moved down to Bishop from Mammoth, I became the third James Wilson in town. We would routinely bring each other mail we had mistakenly received. I'll miss you, James.

July 16, 2015

I will truly miss James....the thing I loved most about him was his true love for Kay, Rosanne, Bayard, and Ansel. He always spoke of them with such sincerity!

July 16, 2015

I had to deliver a video I had made to James/Kay mid-morning a couple of weeks ago at their house. They had this beautiful glow about themselves, having interrupted them practicing ballroom dancing at 10 am in the morning....Simply precious, pure love . His leadership in our community was and still is like that of the Bristlecone tree, strong yet gentle, forever still.....

July 16, 2015

Such a remarkable man; he will be sorely missed forever

July 16, 2015

James always had the sparkle of a child in his eyes~ Like he had some mischief or secret held inside~ The last time I saw him was at the gorge~ it was a while ago and he was reminding me that every time he did yoga he thought of me~ and this made me smile~ I can't help but reflect on how his youth and adventurous spirit always managed to be transparent~ as if he was living all of his adventures in each moment collectively~ his bright spirit shining~

I worked for James for 2 years at Wilson's when I became a single mom 14 years ago~ I was so grateful~ he encouraged me to open my first yoga studio and even brought me to the rotary one day on our lunch break (not exactly the place I would usually find myself!) to help me gain a broader audience~ I will never forget as we sat there, our nation on the edge of entering into war and I was beginning to speak about how clearly this was not a good idea~ he leaned over and whispered discretely "by the way, most of the people in this room are in support of the war" I just nodded and finished my sentence in a whisper and sat back until I offered my presentation~

I had a vision of my dad and James at Kava, laughing, my dad behind the register and James at the counter~both with that same sparkle like children in their eyes~ They are together now~ and I am living the sweet Beatles quote~ "And in the end, the love we take is equal to the love we make"

Sending love, light & peace all ways~

July 16, 2015

James was on the board of directors for the Friends of the Inyo, and I first recall meeting him when I interviewed for a job there. He was clearly such a strong advocate for the environment and the places that he (and we all) loved, and put action to his passions. We also played music in Bishop in front of his store, one of the very first times we performed out in public. He was a real supporter of community.

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June 23, 2023

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June 22, 2023

We remember your kind generosity and continue to push forward with the work you cared about for Tibet!

June 22, 2023

Well James,
Happy 75th!
Thinking about you today; fondly missing your crazy side.
Do you remember the free-for-all Frisbee gun battles at the Ski Hut? You and Peter Noone sometimes fought it out at point blank range. Good thing you wore glasses!
I was frequently caught in the cross fire back in the ski binding shop!
I'll bet someone is still finding those little disks in the corners.

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The bird gang spent a week at Bahia Drake with Bird Bob wading rivers and exploring secret creeks. February, 2011. Chris, Rosie, Bird Bob, Kay, James, and Barb.

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Thanksgiving

November 10, 2015

Thought I would share a story I posted on the SuperTopo thread about my dad:

I remember a few years ago November when my dad still owned Eastside Sports, an employee told a customer on the phone that our winter hours were 7 days a week until 5:00pm, and they could come on by during those hours and pick up their rental equipment. Problem was, the day scheduled in the notes happened to be Thanksgiving Day, one of the only days of the year Eastside Sports was closed. My dad worried and fretted about what to do, because these customers were planning on picking up their rental equipment to go on a big adventure, and he thought their whole trip would be derailed if they stopped by that day and Eastside Sports wasn't open as promised. Finally, he posted a note on the door that said something along the lines of, "CUSTOMER NAME, you made reservations to pick up your rental equipment today, we are closed, but call store owner James Wilson." Sure enough, an hour or so before Thanksgiving dinner, they called, and my dad ran down to the store, opened the doors especially for them, and made sure they had their equipment and were on their way. He came home jazzed about the experience and the customer's upcoming adventure. For me, this epitomized my dad as a business man - genuine excitement about customer's adventures and and caring about every single individual who stepped through the doors. I know Eastside Sports still carries that spirit today.

This story has been on my mind a lot lately as Thanksgiving approaches. Of course I miss my pops so much. He was completely healthy and had recently been to the doctor for checkups. The team at Renown in Reno said they did not think he could have done anything different to prevent this stroke. All of which is to say, get out there in honor of my dad. He loved the Eastside and he loved being outside, especially with family and friends.

Climb on!

My Favorite Cousin

September 26, 2015

Growing up in the west when most of our family was still on the east coast we never had the huge family holiday get together. We did though have a small band of the Wilsons living in the central valley of California. We would always spend Thanksgiving with them, either in L.A or at their house. I was always enthralled with the knowledge of natural world that they all possessed. The older brothers were never around but the stories and adventures of one in particular always grabbed my attention. James was always in the mountains or climbing something. As the years went on, Wheeler and Wilsons was opened, and my love of mountaineering and climbing grew. James became a legend for me and someone I had to meet. As soon as I was working and had my own vehicle I was determined to go to Bishop and meet James and Kay and now little Rosanne. I still remember that first phone conversation. After introducing myself and saying I wanted to come up and meet him finally. He said sure let’s go climbing. I tried to get up there as much as possible and I was always welcome if they were around. Being a chef in training may have helped too. Throughout the years, I have climbed with many people and I have never been so comfortable climbing with anyone as I was with James. Not just because he was my cousin but I have never meet such a calm relaxed and grounded person in my life. He was always in tune with the natural world around him and had that unique sense of humor that was characteristic of the Wilsons. I was recently telling my girls the next time we go to LA, we have to make a trip to the most beautiful part of CA and visit the Wilsons of the Eastern Sierra. Don’t worry Kay and Rosanne we will still come for a visit but James you will be greatly missed.

July 28, 2015

Standing next to James, Kay, Rosie, Chris and BirdBob on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. This Scarlet Macaw was spectacular, but every bird we saw, no matter where, was special in one way or another. Even the invasive Eurasian Collared-Dove, so common now where we live, got a favorable comment from James when no one else could muster one up. "They're really handsome," he said. "No matter our opinion of what damage they may be doing on the wrong continent, they're still handsome."

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