James Ray “Jim” Wilkie, 92, died peacefully in his home on April 7, 2018. Born February 16, 1926, Jim was raised in Griffin, GA. Upon high school graduation he was drafted into the US Army and served in the 3rd Infantry Division in WWII. After service in France, Germany and Italy, he returned home in 1945 and attended The University of Georgia. He earned his BBA degree in 1950 and remained a loyal Georgia Bulldog for life. Jim spent a successful 38-year career in the tractor business. He started at Southeast Ford Tractor Company in Decatur, GA, owned Wilkie Tractor Co. in Elberton, GA and retired from Tractor Implement Supply Company (TISCO), headquartered in St. Paul, MN, in 1986 after many years in management and sales.
Upon retirement, “Gentlemen Jim”, as he was affectionately called, enjoyed fishing and raising limousine cattle on his farm in Monroe, GA. He was active in his community including the Walton County Cattlemen’s Association. He, along with his wife, hosted many reunions at their Holly Springs farm for former colleagues and family. Blessed to always live with a water’s view, he later moved to Jacksonville and spent many years living in the Riverside-Avondale area where he enjoyed boating, fishing and the many natural wonders of the St. John’s River.
Jim is survived by his wife of 66 years, Catherine “Kaky” Peek Wilkie, as well as three children and a son-in-law whom he loved as his own: Susan and Matthew Welch, Marty Wilkie and Mary Ann Stephens. He is also survived by his sister, Gwen White, sister-in-law, Kathy Wilkie as well as a granddaughter, great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Olive Wilkie and three siblings: Frances Moorer, Mary Moore and Tony Wilkie.
A memorial service honoring Jim’s life will be held on April 20th, 2018 at 10:00 am at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel with a reception to follow allowing time to greet the family. An interment will be held at 2:30 pm at Jacksonville National Veteran’s Cemetery where Jim’s service to our country will be remembered with military honors.
A lover of botanicals, flowers are a welcomed expression of sympathy of Jim’s memory as is a donation to any charity of choice. The family is deeply indebted to Community Hospice and Nurse Laurie Coppedge as well as steadfast caregivers: Debra Jenkins, Monique Champ and DeDe Dobson for their loving care of our family.
please sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com
HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd. is serving the family
