Jon David Wilson (BSGE 00) was an environmental engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Huntsville, Alabama. Submitted photo
University of Mississippi faculty, staff and students are mourning the passing of alumnus Jon David Wilson (BSGE 03) of Huntsville, Alabama. The 39-year-old environmental engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers died last December.
Services for Wilson were held at Berryhill Funeral Home in Huntsville. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Fortenberry Wilson, of Huntsville, Alabama; four children: Kane, Bryce, Brielle and Aiden; his parents, Mitchell Wilson and Connie Hamby; and a brother, Greg Wilson.
“Jon Wilson brightened any room he walked into,” said Gregg Davidson, UM chair and professor of geology and geological engineering. “His positive attitude was contagious. He loved his field of study and the people he worked with. He will be greatly missed.”
Former UM civil engineering professor Joel Kuszmaul expressed similar remembrances of Wilson.
“[He] was the most energetic person I have ever known, but it was his endlessly upbeat attitude and generosity for everyone around him (even strangers) that created the most lasting impression,” said Kuszmaul, associate dean, associate professor and chair of geological engineering at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts. “He had the highest ethical standards. He was always a gentleman. [Jon] took on the most difficult courses that anyone was offering and not only achieved a great grade, he formed study groups with his colleagues to help ensure that they succeeded as well and that they enjoyed the challenges they faced together.
“He was the first Mississippi graduate who asked to work with me as a graduate student, and I learned so much about the best of human nature from him.”