Obituary of James A Wilson

James Arthur Wilson quietly and peacefully departed this life on Sunday, March 27, 2022, surrounded by family. “Soldier” as he was affectionately known was born May 11, 1933, to the late Edgar and Marie Wilson. He was the oldest of six children, predeceased by his sister Ella and brother Louis. Soldier was educated in the Prince George’s County public school system. At a very early age Soldier began a career working on the racetrack. His career on the track would span over 50 years. Soldier worked on various tracks up and down the east coast; Laurel, Pimlico, Bowie, Garden State Park, Monmouth Park, Atlantic City, Hialeah Race and Gulfstream Park just to name a few. One of his biggest wins, the Million Dollar Haskell Race came when he travelled to Del Mar Racetrack in California with trainer Bobby Kaymack and the horse Jollie’s Hero. Soldier worked with many other trainers, J. Bowes Bond, Kathleen Demasi, John Smiley and Richard Smioff. Over the years he developed so many wonderful friendships working on the racetrack, this was like a second home to him. He never met a stranger, to know him was to love him. Soldier loved spending time with his family, he absolutely adored all the kids. Having lived in the same home where his grandchildren, Britney and Kelly were raised there was a special bond between them. He also adored his granddaughter Shimaine who visited from Maryland quite often and then there was Leighton, the bonus granddaughter aka his helper. She was quite the little runner for Soldier. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan; he loved watching football and horse racing on television. Prior to his declining health you could find him hanging out with his co-workers, playing cards and betting on horse races. James was predeceased in death by Thelma Wilson, Marva Stewart and Marty Stewart. He leaves to cherish his memory, Children- Andre (Arthur), Sherrie, Angela, James, Salome, Marva, Antionette, Bryant, Gregory and Keith. Siblings- Geraldine, Joseph (Mattie) and Beulah. Brother-in-law- Donald and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends.