Colleagues in tributes to ex-councillor

The former councillor who served Coseley from 1949 to 2002 was often remembered for putting his constituents before political party, fiercely lobbying fellow politicians and his memorable catchphrase "Do you know who I am?".

His life of public service was arguably unrivalled – first elected on Coseley Urban District Council, then Staffordshire County Council, then Dudley Borough Council until he retired due to ill health.

In recent times, he is perhaps best known for his long campaigning to save Coseley Baths, an issue which left him "deeply upset" when the facility was demolished in 2010, according to his son John.

He was mayor of Dudley in 1975-76 and was awarded Member of The British Empire and Freeman of Dudley in 1989. Following his death at Broadway Hall Care Home in Dudley on February 23, aged 94, colleagues at Dudley Council paid tribute to him.

Councillor Melvyn Mottram, mayor of Dudley, described him as a "well respected councillor with a long career in local government spanning decades."

Councillor Les Jones said: "People like Jack who are really committed to the local community and spend their entire life time helping them are hard to find. I know Jack was very well respected on both sides of the chamber.

"He was a colour character who would be known for putting his constituents before his party.

"His catchphrase 'Do you know who I am?' will be long remembered by all who knew him. He was truly a one of a kind in politics."

Mr Wilson was born at the New Inn in Broad Street, Coseley – the pub his parents John and Maud ran together.

He attended Mount Pleasant School in Coseley, before leaving at the age of 14 and pursing a career in men's fashion, setting up a business supplying nearby traders with clothes.

He married his wife of almost 47 years, Margaret Wilson, at Ebenezer Church in Coseley in 1966.

During his time on the region's councils, he was instrumental in the building of Coseley Baths and Russells Hall Hospital.

His son, John Wilson, 44, said: "He was certainly an enthusiastic person dedicated to the cause of Coseley and wider area. The four key things in his life were family, Coseley, the fire service and education – although he was devoted to many other issues through the council work he did."

His funeral will be at Providence Baptist Church, in Providence Row, Coseley, at 2pm on March 6. Prior to the service, his funeral cortege will briefly pass through Coseley, including the site of the former Coseley Baths and Mount Pleasant School.

The service will be family flowers only, but donations are invited for The Alzheimer's Society.

People can donated by visiting uk. virginmoneygiving.com/jtwilson