James Wilson started his athletics career with the NAIA as a student-athlete lettering in four sports at Huston-Tillotson University (Texas). Wilson served as HT's athletic director for 44 years (1960-2004), including playing a key role in the first five years of the RRAC's existence with HT serving as a charter member.

During Wilson's tenure he grew the athletics department from three men's sports to eight and added seven women's athletic programs. He served as a coach in all of the Rams' sports throughout the early part of his career, guiding 26 student-athletes to All-American status and winning numerous championships. Notably during those years, HT earned a share of the 2001 RRAC All-Sports Award, and the Rams' men's basketball team won a thrilling 113-111 overtime victory over Houston Baptist University (Texas) in the RRAC tournament finale.

Wilson is held in high esteem by alumni, parents and students and is a member of the Huston-Tillotson, Austin Sports Foundation, and the National Football Foundation Halls of Fame. Wilson is a well respected official, officiating Texas High School Championships, and Lone Star, Southwest and Big 12 conference events. He broke through barriers as the first Black official to officiate a Texas high school football game, and he was later called on to serve as an official at major events such as the Orange Bowl. In that event's 1991 version, it was Wilson who made a critical correct call of clipping that was decisive in a 10-9 win for the University of Colorado. He also worked the final game in the history of the defunct Southwest Conference between the University of Texas an Texas A&M University.

Wilson conducted a program for athletes to learn about officiating in multi-sports and made arrangements for the students to officiate in summer programs and middle school and high school competitions. 

Wilson has a heart of service and he cares about his athletes on and off the field. Wilson was one of the first African-American players during the troubles of segregation in the early 1950s and he led the way as a coach at the Historically Black University. He was awarded the Shorty Alderson Award for outstanding contributions to football officials and high school football in 1993.

Wilson was named to the Austin Sports Hall of Fame (1993) and the NAIA Hall of Fame (2011) as a coach and athletic director. In 2012, he received an honorary doctorate from HT. He earned his master's degree from Prairie View A&M University (Texas) decades earlier. HT's Wilson Athletic Awards Banquet also honors their program's former leader.

Wilson has been married for more than 50 years and raised two sons, who carry on the character of their father.

NAIA Hall of Fame - Administrator (2011)

Austin Sports Hall of Fame (1993)

2001 RRAC All-Sports Award (tie)