of Greenbrier, AR
May 4, 1927 - May 12, 2023
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of James Edward Wilkins (Jim), a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, stepfather, step grandfather and step great grandfather who passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on May 12, 2023 in Greenbrier, Arkansas. Jim was born on May 4, 1927 in Atlanta, Georgia to Claude and Myrtie Wilkins. He was the oldest of four siblings, Bill, Bob, Charlotte and Catherine. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Claud and Myrtie Wilkins; his brother, Bill Wilkins and his sisters, Charlotte and Catherine Wilkins.
Jim bravely served his country as a military police officer in the United States Army from 1945-1947. He was a graduate of Little Rock Senior High School in 1948. Throughout his life, Jim had a passion for music. He was an active member of the acapella choir and the men's quartet in high school. Jim was a proud veteran of the United States Army and shortly after leaving the military moved to California to be with his family. He spent the next 34 years teaching in California and positively impacting the lives of countless students. In addition to his career, Jim sang with the Pathfinder Quartet for 20 years in California. His favorite hobby was playing golf with family and friends. Jim moved back to Arkansas with his wife, Ava, in 2013. He continued his love for singing, by sharing on Sunday mornings, as a faithful member of Springhill Baptist Church.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Ava Wilkins; his brother, Bob Wilkins; his children, Kevin Wilkins (Janet), Heather Thrall (Phil) and Jannise Wilkins; his grandchildren, Jim Wilkins (Maddie), Matthew Thrall (Adrienne) and Jonathan Thrall (Jessica), as well as Kimi Thrall and Kari Wilkins. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Tripp Wilkins and Lucas Thrall. Jim was also a loving stepfather to Michael Morgan and Annette Thompson, and step-grandfather to Ashley Tallent (Scott), Nicole Thurman, Justin Morgan and Jason Uhrynowycz (Lauren). His step-great-grandchildren, Ryan, Seth and Morgan Tallent, Bailey Paschetti, Kenzie, Cohen and Dalton Uhrynowycz were blessed to have him in their lives.
Jim's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be remembered for his kindness, his devotion to his family, his passion for education and music, but most importantly, his dedication to the Lord. He will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, Jim.
Visitation will be at 10am Wednesday, May 17, 2023 with funeral service following at Springhill Baptist Church. Bro. Ed Stephenson will be officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Springhill Cemetery.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15016792575.
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4 Condolence(s)
Gene Loveless
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Jewel loved to hear Jim sing, he will be missed by all.
J L and Jane Roe
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Will really miss him singing in church. He was a real blessing to everyone who was privileged to hear him sing. He truly loved Jesus and it showed, most of all Jesus loved him in return. He is singing with the angels in heaven.
Charles Attebery
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Bro. Jim and Ava were such a blessing to Janice and me when we were members at Springhill Baptist Church. We enjoyed fellowship during several Sunday noon meals and of course we loved to hear him sing to the Lord during our services. He will be greatly missed. We are praying for Ava and all the family.
Cheryl Meeks
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Brother Jim was in the same Sunday school class with me. It was all women in our class. He came with mrs Ava. He was a joy in our class. We loved to hear him sing on Sunday. We will miss him dearly. Deepest sympathy to all of the family.