Community Leader Jim Wilson Passes Away at 92, Leaving Legacy

Jim Wilson, the former publisher of the Hawaii Tribune-Herald, passed away peacefully at his home in Volcano on the morning of October 27, 2023, at the age of 92. Wilson had been battling post-polio syndrome in recent years and had sought treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. His wife, Audrey Wilson, shared that he had entered hospice care a week before his death, emphasizing his deep commitment to the community he served throughout his career.

“Jim was a good man, and he was always concerned about the community,” Audrey Wilson stated. “His involvement in the community meant everything to him.” Born on October 11, 1933, in Boswell, Oklahoma, Wilson faced significant challenges early in life, contracting polio at the age of 15, which led to a year-long hospitalization.

Despite these early hardships, he went on to earn dual bachelor’s degrees in journalism and business from Oklahoma State University. His career began in 1962 when he joined Donrey Media Group, which later became Stephens Media Group, as an advertising sales representative at the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Wilson’s trajectory within the company was swift. By 1973, he had ascended to the role of general manager, later rebranded as publisher, of the Hawaii Tribune-Herald. His leadership extended beyond the paper, as he also held the position of division manager for Stephens Media, overseeing several publications, including West Hawaii Today.

His tenure at the Tribune-Herald was marked by a commitment to journalistic integrity. Wilson frequently used his publisher’s column to hold public officials accountable, positioning himself as a vocal advocate for the community. After retiring in 2002, he maintained his engagement with local affairs, even running for the County Council’s District 6 seat in 2014. He emphasized the need for “common sense business practices” but ultimately placed third in a three-person primary race.

Wilson’s community contributions extended well beyond journalism. He was a founding member of the Pacific Tsunami Museum, an organization close to his heart. Marlene Murray, the museum’s former executive director, highlighted Wilson’s enduring influence, noting, “Through difficult periods, Jim’s leadership and unwavering commitment were instrumental in keeping the museum alive.”

In recognition of his extensive community service, Wilson received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from former President Joe Biden. This award will be presented posthumously in March 2024 during a ceremony honoring the museum’s long-serving volunteers.

His extensive community involvement included leadership roles such as president of the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce and Destination Hilo, as well as board memberships with the Rotary Club of South Hilo and the Big Island Substance Abuse Council. David Bock, the current publisher and editor of the Tribune-Herald, reflected on Wilson’s legacy, stating, “He was a generous and tireless advocate for the community, both as publisher and well after retirement.”

Beyond his professional achievements, Wilson was a devoted family man and passionate traveler. Audrey Wilson, who also contributed to the Tribune-Herald as a food columnist, spoke fondly of their adventures, stating, “Without him, I would never have traveled to Paris, Italy, Hong Kong, and Africa.”

Survived by his wife, Audrey, and three sons, Alex DeVilbiss, Reid Shigeoka, and Dean Shigeoka, Wilson’s family will honor his memory with a celebration of life planned for January 10, 2024, at the Hilo Meishoin Mission. His legacy as a community leader and dedicated family man will be felt for generations to come.