Jack Gene Wilson, Sr.

“My Dad”

Jack G. Wilson Sr., age 87, passed away on May 15, 2026, at Harmony West Des Moines, surrounded by his family.

Jack was born on January 23, 1939. He married Judi Ann Pickett on March 15, 1957, and together they had three children: Jack Jr., Vicki, and Ricky.

Jack was well known and loved by everyone he met. He worked and served for the City of Des Moines Public Works "Sewer Division" for 34 years and retired in 1994. He then restarted his service for another 16 years as a part time Public Works “Guard.” He truly loved the city and all of the employees, and they loved and respected him in return.

Jack was a strong worker and great at his job. In 1988, he was awarded the Public Works “Most Outstanding Public Works Employee” Award from City Hall’s Mayor John “Pat” Dorian and Public Works Director John Bellizzi.
Jack Sr. loved and defended nothing more than his family throughout his lifetime. He was a devoted family man and loved his wife, Judi, for over 67 years, and his children above all else.

Jack loved to travel on vacations all over and absolutely loved camping and fishing. He was also a devoted fan of his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs, remaining a number-one fan throughout his life. However, if you knew Jack Sr., his number one hobby would have to be playing cards, especially "Poker" or "Pitch." If you could beat him, then you really had a story to tell, as he was known throughout the City of Des Moines and especially Prairie Meadows Casino for winning at Poker card games. He was known as “Winning” the "Bad Beat" Poker game several times throughout his retirement, buying himself a brand-new silver Mercury Grand Marquis and becoming known all over as the “one and only” “Jackpot Jack.”

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Jackie Wilson Jr. (Holly) of Des Moines; daughter, Vicki Wilson of Omaha, Nebraska; and son, Ricky (Kendra) Wilson of Norwalk; three granddaughters, Shelbi, Macee, and Jewels Wilson; great-grandson, Robert Wilson; along with several extended family members and many friends.

Jack Sr. was preceded in death by the huge love of his life, his wife, Judi A. Wilson; an infant son, Craig A. Wilson; his mother, Florence L. Whitaker; and his sister, Donna Jean Aguiniga.

His funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, with interment to follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Des Moines. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Jack.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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