JAMES C. WILSON
July 23, 1920 - April 6, 1967

TMr. James C. Wilson was the first African American track coach at the University of Illinois. He served under Head Coach Bob Wright. He was also an instructor in the Physical Education Department. At the time of his death he was on leave of absence from West Virginia State College. He was at the U of I to complete requirements for his Ph.D. This article is about his contribution to the track team and other accomplishments, such as caring about, inspiring and guiding young students at the West Virginia State College.

The College Union Building on the West Virginia State College campus was named the James C. Wilson Student Union Building in honor of Wilson's efforts in stimulating interest in the building. The first part of the complex was completed in 1961 and an addition was finished in 1970. Wilson was a 1947 WVSC graduate. He died in 1967.

To the right are the actual newspaper articles detailing Wilson's illness and his subsequent obituary.