James “Jim” Wilson III, a member of the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees, died Saturday after a sudden illness. He was 59.

Wilson, according to the announcement from the Board, was heavily involved in the affairs of the university for decades as a student and an alumnus. A 1985 graduate of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Business Administration, he served for two decades on the board.

Wilson was chairman and CEO of Jim Wilson & Associates. He served six years as the chairman of the Physical Properties Committee and led construction throughout the University of Alabama System.

At one time, he chaired the UAB Health System Board, playing a role in the Health System’s growth and success.

Wilson served on the Crimson Tide Foundation Board of Directors and was the chair of the Athletics Committee of the Board of Trustees.

Wilson leaves behind his wife Susie; his daughters, Wesley and Lillian; and grandchildren.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.