Jesse James Wilkinson

Jesse James Wilkinson, age 85, of Conover, NC, passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at Conover Nursing and Rehabilitation. Born on March 12, 1934 in Chatham County, NC, he was the son of the late Clarence Oris Wilkinson and Grace Shirley Reitzel Wilkinson.

Jesse was a master woodcarver, he won many blue ribbons from senior games. Many of Jesse’s pieces can be found throughout the state, Catawba County homes and businesses. He loved the outdoors and loved to fish. He also enjoyed prospecting for gold.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jo Gibson Wilkinson, sister, Alyce Revels.

Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Alan Wilkinson and his wife, Kelly; daughter, Jennifer Duncan and husband, Mark; sister, Louise Brannock; granddaughters, Madison Wilkinson, Jessica Kale and husband, Robert, Hailey Duncan and Scott Crossno; and 2 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Jesse’s Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 24, 2019, at Trinity Baptist Church in Newton, NC with Rev. Brant Hoots officiating. The inurnment will be private.

The family will receive friends at the church following the service.

Condolences may be sent to the Wilkinson family at www.drumfh-conover.com

The Wilkinson family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home & Cremations Services in Conover, NC.