James Robert Wilson, 63, of New Sewickley Township, a beloved coach and educator in Blackhawk and Freedom school districts passed away unexpectedly, Monday, Sept 28, 2015 at UPMC Montefiore Hospital, Pittsburgh.Born December 20, 1951, he was the eldest child and only son of Samuel W. Wilson of Lake Latonka (Mercer Co.) and the late Verna Wilson. Jim spent his younger years growing up in New Brighton until 9th grade, when his family moved to Mercer County where he graduated from Lakeview High School. As an exceptional athlete he received a full football scholarship to Toledo University in Ohio where he played as a wide receiver for the Rockets and was a loyal alumni member. An outstanding individual in both academics and athletics Jim mentored to both students and young coaches. An English teacher at Blackhawk and Freedom high schools, Jim’s true passion was coaching sports, just like his father. He was a Blackhawk assistant football coach from 1975 to 1998, assistant baseball coach from 1978 to 1984, and head baseball coach from 1984 to 1999. His teams won six section titles in seven years and Jim compiled an overall record of 175-124-1. He was then hired as the head football coach in Freedom from 1999 to 2007, where, in 2003, he led the Bulldogs to the WPIAL Class AA semi-finals, losing to Darrelle Revis and the Aliquippa Quips and was named Coach of the Year. Jim was a proud member of the MAC Coaching Association and had recently retired from teaching. In addition to his loyalty to Toledo University sports, Jim was also a Steelers and Pirates fan.A man with a huge personality, he was known for his generosity and love of family and friends. He enjoyed all kinds of music and served as the deejay for family functions. Cooking was a specialty of Jim’s, including canning the ‘best’ beets, hot peppers and tomato sauce for spaghetti. Jim and his family enjoyed vacationing at their Florida condominium several times a year.Along with his father, he will be sadly missed by his wife, Sherry Hays Wilson; four children, Brooke Bergman and her husband, Jack, in California, and their children, Becca and Brice, Breanna Wilson of New York City, Jeanette Holko and her husband, Kurt, of Chippewa Township, and their children, Brady and Beck, and Dan Gillin of New Sewickley Township, and his children Isabella and Sophia; four sisters, Carolyn (Terry) Griffin of Cranberry Township, Sandra (Robert) Wilson of New Wilmington, Lorey (John) North of Grove City and Ginny Wilson of Lititz; four brothers-in-law, Dick (Lori) Hays of New Sewickley Township, Tom (Debbie) Hays of Center Township, Bob (Mary) Fath of Tidioute, and John (Susan) Hays of Moon Township and numerous nieces and nephews that loved him dearly. We love you more, Jim!Friends will be received on Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Ave., Monaca. Friends will also be received on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. in the Van Kirk Lutheran Church, 106 Van Kirk Rd, Monaca. The Reverend A. Patrice Weirick will officiate.The family has suggested memorial contributions be made if desired to, courageforlifefoundation.orgTo share online condolences, get directions and other information, please visit simpsonfuneralhome.com.