James Clifford Wilson, 88, of Mexico, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Cedarhurst Nursing Facility in Columbia.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026 at Pickering Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Susan Presley officiating. Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Park.

Visitation will be on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. until the time of the service at funeral home.

Cliff was born on August 26, 1937 in Buford, Colorado, the son of James and Ruth (Johnson) Wilson. On May 27, 1961 he married Rona Lee Wenger in the Lake of Ozarks, who survives.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mexico and lived his life guided by strong values and a deep commitment to serving others.

Cliff worked as a conductor for the Illinois Central and GM&O Railroad, a career he carried out with pride and dedication. He was of Native American heritage; he deeply supported Native culture and Indian schools, honoring his roots through advocacy and respect for tradition. Above all, he was a devoted grandfather who cherished time with his family and leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, and commitment.

In addition to his wife Rona, Cliff is survived by one son, Todd Wilson (Amy) of Adrian, Michigan; one daughter, Teresa Wilson Sharifi (Ali) of Miami Beach, Florida; one brother-in-law, David Wells of Fayette; and three grandchildren, Trevor Wilson of Adrian, Michigan, Erica Wilson of Chicago, Illinois, and Isabella Sharifi of Miami, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Jo Wells and Shirley Ross.

The family requests memorial donations be made to the St. Joseph's Indian School. Memorials may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.