Some of his most memorable experiences while teaching at Jones High School include taking the band to the New York World's Fair in 1964, to the Knoxville World's Fair in 1982 and to the bi-centennial celebrations in Washington D.C. in, 1976 and 1987. He very much enjoyed taking bands out of state, a first time experience for most of the students in his band, and in preparing hundreds of young people for scholarships to colleges and universities.
Mr. Wilson is a member of the Florida Music Educators Association Hall of Fame, a 2001 inductee into the Florida Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame, served as President of the Florida Association of Band Directors from 1960-1966, and president of the Florida Bandmasters Association from 1974-1975. His bands were invited to perform at several functions for President Lyndon during his visits to Orlando.
Although retired for 14 years, Mr. Wilson still finds time to conduct a "Director's Dream Band" of his former students from Jones High School. This alumni band is comprised of former students he taught during his 40 plus year tenure, including students from his first band in 1950. Those regularly participating in the "Dream Band" include grandparents, doctors, lawyers, band directors, teachers, retirees, social workers...you name it. The list of his favorite band works include: William Tell Overture, 1812 Overture, Finlandia, The New World Symphony, and Light Calvory Overture.
Mr. Wilson credits the following for being the most influential in his career: George H. Hill, William P. Foster, William Penn, L. Allen Pyke, Kernaa McFarlin, Thomas J. Simpson, Raymond Sheppard, L.A. Kirksey, Reid Poole, Richard Bowles, Joe Kreines, and John Heney.
Even in retirement, "Chief" continues his active lifestyle and committment to serving the community. Mr. Wilson has served on the Board of Directors for the Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union for 32 years, and on the Board of the Orange County Retired Educators Association. He has been recognized statewide for his many achievements by various churches, schools, students, and local organizations.
In 2002, Mr. Wilson was honored with the Zora Neale Hurston Festival Gala Award as well as by the Daughters of the American Revolution, Ribault High School Band of Jacksonville, Florida, the Jones High School Class of 1982, and most recently, as one of 25 "Champions of Sustainability" for 25 years of community leadership. He was also acknowledged by the Orange County Board with the auditorium at Jones High School named in his honor.
It is with great pride that the Band Faculty of the Orange County Public Schools hoonrs Mr. James Wilson as the first recipient of the OCPS All-County Band "Legends" Award. He has been, and is, an inspiration to us all.
