RMC honors longtime chaplain with chapel dedication
Although Wilson, an octogenarian, was unable to attend due to illness, he watched the celebration of his service to the hospital from his home. His wife, Carol, and members of his family were present in his place. The hospital board announced that the upcoming chapel will be named in his honor, recognizing his decades of spiritual care and leadership.
'Chaplain Wilson means the world to not just our patients and families, but also our staff members who go through so much on a daily basis,' Kristen Fillingim, director of marketing and public relations, said after the celebration. 'We really wanted to be able to honor him while he's still with us and create a new space that people can come to and find peace, love and comfort in their hardest days.'
Fillingim noted that Wilson's early vision for a chaplaincy program has since grown, drawing numerous volunteers dedicated to supporting patients and staff alike.
Board Chairman Bud Owsley opened the event with a tribute, calling Wilson 'a true servant leader.' Quoting the Bible, Owsley said, 'Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his friends.'
'For the past 26 years, our Chaplain Jim Wilson has given himself to his friends,' Owsley added. 'We are a better hospital system and a better community because of Jim Wilson.'
The Anniston City Council has honored Wilson with an official proclamation recognizing decades of service in ministry, counseling and chaplaincy.
Councilman Lewis Downing presented the proclamation highlighting Wilson's dedication to faith and community.
'I think everyone here has been inspired by Chaplain Wilson at some time,' Downing said.
Born in Calhoun County and educated through the Jacksonville schools, Wilson earned multiple graduate degrees from institutions including Southwestern Seminary, Chapman University and New Orleans Baptist Seminary. He also served 22 years as a U.S. Navy chaplain, retiring as a commander.
After his military service, Wilson continued as a hospital chaplain for five years in Pensacola, Fla., before joining RMC. He developed a unique chaplaincy program relying, through the years, on hundreds of trained volunteers. Despite being the sole employed chaplain, Wilson led efforts that flourished under his guidance.
He was instrumental in founding the Steel Magnolias breast cancer support program and the Northeast Alabama Crisis Response Team. He also supported a wide array of community-based support groups for grief, mental health, cancer, dementia and more.
A licensed professional counselor, Wilson has pastored four churches and served as interim pastor 11 times.
Wilson's wife Carol, who thanked everyone for honoring her husband.
Lagina Fillingim, the executive director of the RMC Foundation, asked several hospital officials to unveil a framed plaque honoring Wilson, which is similar to a plaque that will be placed in the hospital when renovations are complete. She then encouraged others present to donate to RMC's chaplain's fund, which Wilson often did from his own pocket.
'When people say, 'Can I pray for you,'' she said. 'With Chaplain Wilson, it's not like he's just saying that or he prays just then, he carries that prayer on his heart and on his shoulders.'
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