James Finley Wilson (August 28, 1881 – February 18, 1952)[1] was a newspaperman, leader of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World.

[2] held appointed public office, and was an influential community leader among African Americans.

[8] Wilson went west at worked several odd jobs including mining and ranching before settling in as an editor of several papers.

[10] He was elected the leader, or Grand Exalted Ruler, of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World on August 28, 1922.

[11] He wrote The mockery of Harding : an open letter published in 1922 and The colored Elks and national defense.