My Champion: My Wife, Jean Wilson

My Champion: My Wife, Jean Wilson
By Aaron Wilson

Aaron and Jean Wilson shared a love for travel and sportscar races. The couple first met in 1975 and, after graduating from the University of Dayton, they married and moved to Solon, Ohio where they raised 3 children while both working full time; Jean as a child psychologist and Aaron as a Sr. Project Manager for Rockwell Automation.

In 2005, Jean was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s which changed everything. Aaron retired to become her primary caregiver and they moved to Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. But their passion for sportscar racing never abated. Each year, they would make the 60-mile trip to Road America in Elkhart Lake where they would join up with their “racing family.” These were always special days and Jean would stay awake the entire drive, waiting until they got situated at their prized spot at Turn 6 before taking her nap.

 

It was here in 2017, where they first became aware of Racing to End Alzheimer’s. When Jean passed away last November, Aaron asked that In lieu of flowers mourners contribute to the foundation. His fraternity brothers at Alpha Phi Alpha came through in a big way; making a full $250 contribution to put Jean’s name on the #80 BMW for the entire 2020 racing season.

This year’s race in August promises to be an emotional one for Aaron; the first without his wife of 42 years. But he has his memories and the knowledge that this year, his wife who “loved to go places” will be traveling across the country as a cherished member of the Bimmerworld Team.

We are grateful to the Wilson Family for sharing their story with us.

If you would like to honor your loved one by placing their name on the #80 BMW for the 2020 racing season, please donate today at r2endalz.org.

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