Wilson Auctioneers is the region's premier auction provider. For over four decades Wilson Auctioneers, Inc. has been synonymous with excellence and success in the auction of quality real estate. James decided on the spot one February morning in 1961 to attend auction school after talking to a local part time auctioneer. James had attended many auctions and was acquainted with the auctioneers in town but all were working in the industry as part timers. There were no full time auctioneers in Hot Springs and James Wilson saw a tremendous opportunity. James enrolled at Fort Smith Auction School and two weeks later went to work making his new profession a full time career. From the beginning, James was a natural promoter and put all of his energy into his work. He called on local furniture stores and motels to place their extra inventory in his auctions. He went through the newspapers every day checking all of the real estate ads and calling sellers to tell them about his services. During early evening, James would drive his auction truck up and down Albert Pike and Central Avenues, with loud speakers mounted on top of the cab, announcing upcoming auctions. James was also a stickler for good English, correct spelling and detailed descriptions of what was being sold. He thoroughly went over his ads until he was satisfied with the content. I wrote my best ads at 5:00 oclock in the morning, he recalled. James Wilson was driven by the details in every aspect of the business. Over the next twenty five years, James Wilson, with the help of his wife, Betty, and children, Diane, Susie and Joe, conducted hundreds of auctions of all types, especially real estate and fine antique auctions, setting world record prices for John Henry Belter furniture. He built a reputation for honesty, integrity and impeccable attention to detail that has spanned three generations of the family business.