Bluegrass Community Looses Jim Wilder.

We learned of the passing of one of our bluegrass family members, Jim Wilder of Royal Oak, MI.  Bill Warren sent this in tribute to Jim.

Obituary

For

James R. (Jim) Wilder

James R. Wilder was born November 10, 1933 in Varmint County, Tennessee to the late James and Martha Wilder.

Jim established the T. J. Drywall Company and ran it successfully for many years.

Jim and Mathelda Faye, his wife of 58 years, promoted two of Michigan’s premier bluegrass festivals for many years. Jim always sought out the finest bluegrass talent in the nation for his festivals held in Charlotte and Milan, Michigan. The bluegrass festival goers will miss Jim rolling up in his golf cart to make sure everyone and everything was O.K.

Jim died suddenly on December 3, 2012 at the age of 79. He was a U. S. Army veteran. Jim is survived by his wife Faye: children, Barbara, John (Carol), Robert (Jeannie), Patricia, and Karen Luczak (Jerome). He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, 2 sisters, and 3 brothers.

The Funeral Service will be Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 9 A.M at the A. J. Desmond and Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Road, Troy, MI 48083.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, 5-8 P.M. and Wednesday 2-8 P.M..

Memorial tributes may be made to: The National Kidney Foundation

“Jim brought great Bluegrass to Michigan festival fans for many years.His commitment to bluegrass was second to none and he always made sure that the fans came first at his festivals. He will be greatly missed by the fans that attended and the bands that played at the festivals he promoted. Go rest high on that mountain...”

-Jeff Rose, Detour Bluegrass Band

 

“Everyone loved Jim. He always had a smile, he loved traditional Bluegrass, and supported many local bands  having them at his festival. I worked for Jim for 15 years, I never heard a bad word from him. He was a happy person that wanted to put top self talent on his stages.. and that is exactly what he did.”

-Jim Kittle

 

“I worked for Jim many times in Milan and Charlotte, MI. A big loss for the Bluegrass world. My prayers go out to his family and friends.”

-Shayne Bartley, The Bartley Brothers