James F. Wilson - 1975 (Covell)
Wilson was a UCD professor of Animal Husbandry and was considered a pioneer in the sheep and wool industry. He came to Davis in 1919 and was active in many civic activities for many years until ill health intervened. Wilson was respected enough to be selected to present the first Covell Award in 1944.
—City Council 1924-26;
—UCD Faculty Club president;
—Led the city acquisition of the final parcels of land that make up present-day Central Park;
—First chairman of the City of Davis Planning Commission;
—Boy Scout Commissioner for Yolo County;
—Davis Chamber of Commerce Director;
—Member of the Yolo County Juvenile Justice Commission for two years;
—President of Davis Rotary Club;
—1974 Rotarian of the Year;
—Chairman of the Davis Civic Defense and Disaster Committee during World War II;
—Member of Woodland Memorial Hospital Board of Directors during construction of the new hospital;
—Chairman for the American Cancer Society fund drive;
—Disaster Coordinator for the Yolo County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Professor Wilson was respected internationally for his knowledge of sheep and wool. One of Jim’s remarkable characteristics was his genuine common sense. This, coupled with his wide knowledge and native wit, enabled him to command the attention of most any group to which he spoke.
Mayor Joan Poulos presented both awards at the Council Chambers Wednesday, July 2, 1975.
