CWO4 Claude (Jim) Bland Gillikin, Jr. USCG Ret.

Jim Gillikin, devoted father and grandfather, peacefully died at home surrounded by his children October 25, 2014. Jim was born May 10, 1937 in Portsmouth, Virginia to Jesse Cherry Gillikin and C.B. Gillikin, Sr. Jim was preceded by death by his wife of 50 years, Wanda Lee Laird Gillikin. Jim was lucky number 13 of his family that included eight brothers and four sisters. Surviving siblings include Sister Lois Hall of Portsmouth, Virginia and Brother Jerry Bradley of Petersburg, Virginia. Surviving immediate family include oldest Son, James Bland Gillikin and his wife Saralyn Corbett Gillikin of Wilmington, NC. Daughter Laura Gillikin Poe and her husband Cary Poe of Cornelius, NC and youngest son John Bradley Gillikin of Wilmington. Jim was proudest of his three cherished and spoiled granddaughters, Leah Elizabeth Gillikin of Wilmington NC, Abigail Lee Poe and Caroline Louise Poe of Cornelius, NC. Jim was also very close to surviving nephews Lloyd and Larry Laird of Salisbury, Maryland. Jim was a career Coast Guard officer who joined the Coast Guard in 1953 after playing semi-professional Baseball for the Richmond League. He loved the water, boats and insuring safety for all those who served with and for him. His past assignments included tours and posts that carried him from the Antarctic and Artic, across the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and many ports covering the world. Jim served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars, in which he was decorated for his service in both. He loved the Coast Guard life and was devoted to the Guard, Family and God throughout his lifetime, even after retiring honorably as Chief Warrant Officer 04 in 1980. Jim and Wanda met while he was stationed in Portsmouth Virginia aboard the USS Barberry 1958. They were married in October 1962 after he finally got her to say yes, pursuing her for only 4 years. Wilmington NC was the Gillikin family last assignment and he and his wife Wanda knew this was the place they wanted to live after his retirement in 1980. The joined Pine Valley United Methodist Church in 1976 and were faithful members thru the years and loved the church deeply and have enjoyed serving in His name. Jim was a member of the AGAPE Sunday school class who he loved like family. Jim never met a stranger and had a loving personality to all he met. He was known for his firm handshake, cheerful conversation and genuine interest for others. Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing, camping, spending time with his Granddaughters and participating in Patriotic programs in the area. He will be greatly missed by many. Visitation will be held at Andrews Mortuary Pine Valley Chapel, 4108 South College Road, Wilmington on Monday, October 27, 2014 from 6-8pm. Funeral Services will take place Tuesday, October 28, 2014, 11 am at Pine Valley United Methodist Church 3788 Shipyard Blvd., Wilmington NC. Following the funeral, United States Coast Guard will hold an Honors Service at the Graveside, Greenlawn Memorial Park. Those wishing to honor Jim's memory are welcome to send donations to Wounded Warrior Project, Pine Valley United Methodist Church or Lower Cape Fear Hospice. The family would like to thank the staff of Lower Cape Fear Hospice for their service to Jim and his family as well as Registered Nurse Mary Jo Barbaretta and Family Friend Shirley Farrington for their love and service. The kindness and love shown to Jim was very special. The family will receive friends and loved ones at the Gillikin home immediately after the graveside service at Greenlawn Memorial Park.