SOUTHPORT — James Alvin Wilt “Jim” passed away at home on Monday, January 27th following a long history of coronary disease. He had resided in Southport since 2005.
Jim was born in Newport News, Virginia, to Percy Raymond Wilt and Gertrude Todd Wilt on April 29, 1941. He was the youngest of five children. He graduated from Newport News High School in 1959 and went to work briefly at the “Shipyard” and then at B.F. Goodrich where he began his life as the Tire Man.
In 1990 he purchased a General Tire Store in Hampton, Virginia, which he successfully operated for ten years. He continued as the Tire Man at Suttle Motors in Newport News and Kramer Tire in Hampton, Virginia. He retired to play golf and work at several pro shops in Virginia and North Carolina until 2016.
Jim was a dedicated Lion, being a member of the Denbigh (VA) and Southport clubs for a combined 53 years. He served as Club President and Deputy District Governor in Virginia. He was acknowledged as a Melvin Jones Fellow in 2023 by the Southport Lions Club for his years of service. Through Lions Club he began volunteering at the Anheuser Busch Golf Classic, a PGA tournament in Williamsburg (VA) as parking lot and leader board attendant. He became Player Transportation Committee Co-Chair until 1994 giving 13 years of service.
Following the Peach Bowl of 1984 where University of Virginia football played their first bowl game, Jim became an ardent Wahoo fan. He had season tickets, travelling to every game for 20 years. He employed many players during the summers at the Tire Store and followed their careers for years after.
Jim was a committed, loving father to Cathy Lynn Wilt Kelly, and James Todd Wilt who passed away in 2021. He became a grandfather to Chase McKenna Kelly with whom he was totally smitten in 2004. Jim was married to Joan Johnson Wilt for 39 years. They travelled extensively, entertained frequently, and supported each other unconditionally as each reached career goals.
Surviving Jim are daughter Cathy and husband Greg of Lanexa, Virginia, granddaughter Chase of Harrisonburg, Virginia (JMU), brother Lawrence and wife Carolyn of Yorktown, Virginia, along with many nieces and nephews. Wife Joan resides in Southport, NC.
The family would like to acknowledge the Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center for their assistance.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held Wednesday, February 5th at 2:00 pm at Peacock – Newnam & White Funeral Home in Southport.