Lummi Chief Culaxten, James Henry Wilson, died in his home Oct. 25 at the age of 87.
He was born to Margaret and Clarence Henry Wilson Sept. 20, 1925 on the shores of Village Point.
Wilson was a lifelong fisherman and served on the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission and the Lummi Fish Commission. Known as “The Governor” and “Uncle Jimmy,” Wilson served the Lummi Nation for more than 38 years, including positions on the Education Board, Housing Board and Stommish Committee, and as chairman of the Lummi Water and Sewer Board.
He was preceded in death by wife Roberta Hunt Wilson; his parents; stepfather August Casmir; son James Wilson Jr.; grandsons David Wilson Jr., Derek Wilson Jr. and Brock Wilson; brothers Rudy, Alvin, Gary and Mike; and sisters Lila, Florence, Mary and Violet.
He is survived by his brother Gordon and sister in-law Helen; his children Deborah and Charles, Laurie and Thomas, Cynthia and Norb, Dana and Raquel, David and Anna, Heather and Richard, Althea and Steve. He was blessed with 76 grandchildren.
Prayer services and a funeral were held Oct. 28 and 29 for Wilson, who is remembered for his motto, “Respect yourself. Respect others. And a little love will go a long way.”
Condolences and memories can be posted in the online guest book at www.farewelltributes.com.
