Jerry Wilson, 76, of Jacksonville, IL, died Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at his home.

He was born August 11, 1947, inGuantánamo Bay, Cuba, to Ivan and Rita (Powers) Wilson. He married Mary Graham on August 12, 1972, in Gurnee, and she survives.

He is also survived by his daughter, Natalie (Jim) Williams of Jacksonville; son, Matt Wilson of Centralia; and grandchildren, Ethan and Evan Williams, both of Kansas City, MO, and Gianna and Nadia Williams, who both live at home. He was preceded in death by his parents and a special aunt, Mary Hauskins.

Jerry was raised with his cousins, whom he considered brothers and sisters. They include Bill Hauskins of Chicago, Jim Hauskins of Bloomington, Connie Kelley of Bloomington, and Patsy West, who is deceased.

Jerry graduated from Trinity High School (Bloomington) and then attended Lincoln College. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, and then graduated from Illinois State University.

He operated Graham-Wilson Sporting Goods for eighteen years. After the closing of the store, he worked for Production Press and as a Veteran's Service Officer for the State of Illinois. Jerry was a member of the Elks, where he umpired Little League for many years. He was also in the Elks Golf League and Bowling teams. He served on the board of the VFW. Jerry was also an avid Cubs fan and adored his children and grandchildren.

A prayer service will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, August 25, 2023, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. The family will meet friends from 2:30–5:00 pm, following the prayer service. A private burial will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project or American Cancer Society. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.