James Wilson was born on 22 December 1739 in Augusta County, Virginia. He died 30 August 1824 in Wythe County, Virginia. (In 1861 that area was renamed Bland County, Virginia.)

During the Revolutionary War James Wilson (Willson) furnished supplies which were “impressed” in Rockbridge County. He also served as a Private, in the war for which he received a Virginia Pension. It was paid in Rockbridge County at Lexington, Virginia from 1812-1819. He also received a pension from Wythe County until his death in 1824. (Virginia Genealogical Society, Virginia Revolutionary War State Pensions).

James is buried at Sharon Lutheran Church and Cemetery in Ceres, Bland County, Virginia. Seven generations of the James Wilson family are buried there.