Harry James Wilson was born on October 5, 1921, in Amherstburg, Essex County, Ontario, Canada. He was the son of Harry O. and Norah K. Wilson, of Van Dyke, Michigan, U.S.A.; husband of Marlyn R. Wilson.

Harry served in the 619 Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force as a Flying Officer during World War II. He was declared Missing in Action on June 19, 1944, when his Lancaster aircraft # LM 640 was shot down at Villiers St. Genest, France, during a night operation against Revigny, France. His body was never recovered.