James Wilkinson

James Edward Wilkinson, Jr,

James Edward Wilkinson, Jr passed away on July 31, 2020 in Wichita, Kansas at the age of 69.  He was born to James Edward and Shirley May (Weems) Wilkinson on Saturday, July 14, 1951, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  He was the oldest of two boys.

James grew up in the Ponca City area attending Ponca City Public Schools.  He graduated PoHi in 1969.  After completing high school James went to Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa for a year before joining the U. S. Navy.  He spent four years as a Seaman on the submarine Pargo.  He ended his career as a weld inspector for the oil industry working with Conoco-Phillips.

He was very knowledge not only in his field but with anything that interested him.  He was known to research and study his interests.  James found great enjoyment with photography and black powder shooting.  He showed his shooting skills in competitions all around the area.  Older foreign sports cars were also a hobby for James.  He also accomplished his dream of sky diving, although some couldn’t understand why he would wish to jump out of a perfectly good airplane.  James was a life member of the National Rifle Association and a member of the American Legion.

James will be remembered for his caring nature.  He had a big heart that he shared with his friends and family.  If a conversation piqued his interest he joined in and shared his knowledge and opinions.

Left to mourn his passing are his children; Lori and husband Neil Morrison and Chad Wilkinson, father; James Wilkinson, Sr, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren, brother; Frank and wife Melissa Wilkinson along with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his mother; Shirley Wilkinson.

A Graveside Service will be held in James honor at 10am on Thursday, August 20th, at Resthaven Memorial Park with Pastor Scott Melton presiding.  Military Honors will be held to recognize his service to his country.

Cremation services are under the care of Grace Memorial Chapel.  Words of encouragement and messages of condolence may be left online at www.gracememorialchapel.net.