Bernard Joseph "B.J." Wilkes, IV, age 43, of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024. B.J. was preceded in death by his father, Bernard Joseph Wilkes, III, and is survived by his mother, Ruth Zimmer Wilkes Harshman, and Michael Harshman. A private family service will be held at a future date in his hometown of Poland, Ohio.
B.J. was a high school teacher at Lakewood Ranch High School "LRHS" Social Studies Department, which encompasses not only history and geography, but also psychology and financial literacy. B.J. loved his students unconditionally and found his life's passion in teaching them critical thinking skills.
In lieu of flowers,
To honor Bernard J. (B.J.) Wilkes please donate to the Lakewood Ranch High School “LRHS" Social Studies Department, which encompasses not only history, and geography, but also psychology and financial literacy, a significant majority of teachers spend their own money on supplies for their students and classrooms. School budgets often don't fully cover the necessary supplies for engaging lessons and student needs. Please enter the donation reason in the optional box as: Bernard Wilkes Social Studies. Please click on the link below:
https://manateeschools.revtrak.net/high-schools/lakewood-ranch-hs/lrhs-donations/#/v/lrhs-donations-
A private family service will be held at a future date in his hometown of Poland, Ohio.
https://www.manateeschools.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=4142&ModuleInstanceID=25340&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=50549&PageID=12428
