James "Jim" C. Wilds
Funeral Time: Saturday, July 28th at 2:30PM
James (Jim) C. Wilds, 79, passed away on July 26, after a long illness at the Breckinridge, an assisted living facility for those with dementia in Lexington, Kentucky. There, Jim was given unconditional love; he was cared for with compassion, tenderness, grace and mercy. Under the leadership of administrator Beth Blair the staff attended him lovingly and vigilantly. Together with the Hospice of the Bluegrass, they companioned him during his transition from this life to the next with peace, grace, and tranquility. Jim was born in Harriman, Tennessee, and was preceded in death by his parents Maude Keller Wilds and James Wilbur Wilds, two sisters, and a brother. He is survived by his wife Peggy Charles Wilds; his daughter, Daena C. Wilds, and her son, O. Daniel Wilds, of Lexington; by his son, Dr. Daniel Wilds, and son-in-law, Bill West, of Burlington, Vermont; one sister, Mary Frances Suddath of Harriman, Tennessee; and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. Jim’s educational endeavors included three degrees from the University of Kentucky and studies in a doctoral program; he taught agriculture and horticulture to the students and community of Woodford County and was the chairperson of the Vocational Education Department of Woodford County. He worked in the Woodford County School system for over 50 years. Among professional and personal accomplishments and affections, Jim was the local and state president of the Kentucky Vocational Education Association and he coached WCHS athletes in swimming, tennis, and soccer. His greatest passions were teaching his students with the utmost quality and diligence, mentoring his faculty and student teachers toward successful careers, and living an exemplary life. Over the years, he was a member of the Versailles Baptist Church, Pisgah Presbyterian Church, and most recently, Central Baptist Church of Lexington. A celebration of his life will be held at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, 3421 Harrodsburg Road in Lexington, Kentucky on Saturday, July 28th. The Reverend Dr. Mark Johnson and The Reverend Dr. Mike Ward will officiate. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:30 PM, followed by the memorial service at 2:30vPM. A reception will be held after the service. A private committal service will take place later that day at Pisgah Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Versailles, Kentucky. Pallbearers will be Alan Covington, Bobby Gaffney, Don Lane, Jack Halter, Bill Hill, Gene Kirk, and Ken Tippett. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Breckinridge, 2109 Cornerstone Drive, Lexington, KY 40509.