Now in his mid-70s, Wilson has a long and influential history with local music.
He was The Exponents’ first manager, back when they started out as Dance Exponents. On his recommendation, they were signed to Mushroom Records by Mike Chunn.
Jim Wilson (right) with Jordan Luck of The Exponents. Photo / Jim Wilson Collection
Flying Nun Records founder Roger Shepherd has previously credited Wilson with creating the Christchurch live music scene that fostered the first wave of groups on the label.
Phantom later ventured into Auckland and Wellington and has become a multimillion-dollar business, revolutionising the way poster advertising is operated.
Phantom Billstickers poster hangers at work on a Saturday morning in central Auckland.
Photo / Greg Bowker
Wilson’s post did not disclose his illness, but previous blog posts suggest it is respiratory.
“I can scarcely breathe to walk across the room and it seems like every day I have a brand new symptom. I’ve had lots of tests and nothing uncovers the problem. I’ve been hauled off to hospital in an ambulance countless times.”
Wilson says he is not afraid of dying but is fearful of “living this way for much longer”.
“I have found that the best thing to do with an impending death is to dream a lot. This helps press the bad thoughts out. Poetry also helps; it is a beautiful thing.
“The only regrets I have about an impending death are that I can’t take Kelly [his partner] with me, nor my dogs, nor my Volkswagens,” reads the Facebook post.
Phantom Billstickers told the Herald that Wilson’s journey was a private one and they did not wish to comment.