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James WILKES Obituary
James graduated from Phenix High School and completed two years of college. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves, was an officer with the Hampton Police Department, and worked with the railroad, but the majority of his life he spent as an entrepreneur. Mr. Wilkes was the owner and founder of Wilkes B-B-Q, and left this legacy for his sons to continue. Jim was a true jokester, a hard worker and loved being around upbeat and happy people.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Petrola Wilkes, four sons, James III (Kim), Christopher (Debra), Roy (Brenda), and Ronald (Shirley) Wilkes; one daughter, Pamela (Joseph) Forte; two stepdaughters, Renita (William) Boothe, and Earlene (Todd) Parrott; two stepsons, Terry Brooks, and Earl (Uta) Brooks Jr.; one loving and devoted sister, Gloria (Bernard) Horne; a longtime and devoted friend, Louise Bellamy; 19 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a host of cousins and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at noon Monday, Oct. 25, 2010, at Miracle Temple Baptist Church, 617 32nd St., Newport News. Interment will follow at Hampton Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24, at the funeral home.
Professional services are entrusted to the staff of Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James WILKES
October 28, 2010
May God continue to bless your family during their time of sorrow. Mr.s MaeBell Johnson & Family
Gail Louden
October 27, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Daphne Davis
October 27, 2010
Sorry to hear about the the lost of your Father Ron..He always made us laugh when he came in Costco. He will be truly misses. My prayer are with you and the family.
Kim Coneys (Slater)
October 26, 2010
Prayers of comfort and solace sent with love from your extended family.
October 26, 2010
Sending my Love and Blessings as extended family.
Love
Korey Hines (Slater)
BRENDA CHESTER/FAMILY
October 25, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dr. Gwendolyn H. Porter
October 25, 2010
Dear Ron and Shirley,
I was sorry to read of the loss of your father and father-in-law. May you find comfort and strength in the fond times that you had with him. May those memories be forever etched in your hearts and minds.
October 24, 2010
I thank God for having been blessed to know James" Big Jim" Wilkes. A great man, mentor, father and friend. A man who loved his family and served his community. The joy and laughter he shared with whomever he met was priceless and he will be greatly missed by many. May the family find comfort and peace in knowing that "Big Jim" has defeated his last enemy;death.....and now has received his just reward in Glory. Sweet Memories, John & Terry Butler(Harrisonburg, Va.)
Honey Weaver
October 24, 2010
Roy/Brenda,and Ron/Shirley:
I share your heartfelt sympathy with the recent homegoing of your father. May you and the entire Wilkes Family find comfort in his life well lived, and legacy. Peace be with you.
God Be With You,
Honey Weaver
October 24, 2010
Dear Mrs. Patrola,
I enjoyed your husbands smile in the temple and seeing you always smile when he was around you. Remember the love you two shared and know that he is always watching over you. He loved you so much and you could always see it. I will pray for your strength and peace through this difficult time. May God continue to bless you.
Nadine Jackson, Newport News, Va.
Dana Tillman
October 24, 2010
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Toni Schmidt
October 24, 2010
I am sorry to hear about Mr. Wilkes. I used to work at a Dr's office where he was a patient several years ago and have fond memories of him. Also, growing up in Wythe, Wilkes BBQ has been served for dinner many times over the years at my house. It was a pleasure knowing him.
Englishe Ennett
October 24, 2010
Grandpa will always be missed, he was an interesting person and a great grandparent.
Mario Ennett
October 24, 2010
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Andre & Angela Ennett
October 24, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Debbie Wilkes
October 24, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sandra Woodridge-Coney
October 24, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Robert James
October 24, 2010
Our prayers are with the Family during these hours of bereavement. Jim I enjoyed being with you and the family. Live on my brother.
Dickie Gage
October 24, 2010
Enjoyed working with Jim at HPD! Very upbeat guy and always fun to work around. Jim will be missed by many.
Wally Bowler
October 24, 2010
Please accept this as an expression of my deepest sympathy. I worked with Mr. Wilkes at the railroad on tugboats. He was always full of laughter, in great spirits and a respected member of our crew. He had a huge garden and, in addition to sharing his famous barbeque with us, he also brought fresh vegetables down to the tugs. May God Bless the family of Mr. Wilkes in this time of sorrow.
JAMES DAVIS
October 24, 2010
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
DARLENE AND FAMILY
October 23, 2010
WE ARE VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF MR. WILKES. HE WAS A GOOD MAN, HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. THE THOMAS FAMILY FROM ACROSS THE STREET SENDS THEIR LOVE AND PRAYERS.
Mrs. Barbara Capeheart
October 23, 2010
To The Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy regarding the passing of your loved one. Rest assured that Mr. Wilkes is now resting in God's arms and will be watching over us all. May God Bless you and your family.
Odessia Hawkins
October 23, 2010
To Mr. Wilkes, I was known as snorkel,river gueen or deep sea diver. He had a wonderful sense of humor and could always make you laugh. My deepest sympathy goes out to Petrola and his family. I will keep you in my prayers as you go through this difficult time. God Bless you all.
Margaret Norfleet
October 23, 2010
We were sorry to hear about Mr Wilkes death. He had been buying meat from Southern Packing for many years. He was very nice to talk with on the phone. May God be with his family at this difficult time.
Millicent Fauntleroy
October 23, 2010
Ronald and Roy, I embrace you from across the miles and send you sympathy as you deal with Uncle Jim's passing. He was truly funny, and his humor and laughter will be missed. Love, Millicent
Rev. Charles Cheek
October 23, 2010
God welcomed Jim with open arms as he entered a home prepared in Heaven. To the family of Jim Wilkes may you find strength in knowing he lived a life of love for his fellow man. Jim, George Harden and I were together for an old timers story telling dinner during the Hampton Police Department's Old Timers gathering this summer. I truly enjoyed his "humor and wit".
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