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James Wilkerson Obituary

James Elmer (Jimmy) Wilkerson, 75, of Bedford, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, February 28, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. James was born on Thursday, March 16, 1933 in Bedford Co., a son of the late Clifton Luck Wilkerson and Mattie Agee Wilkerson. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Clifton Luck Wilkerson, Jr. He was a retired shipping supervisor for the Rubatex Corporation, where he worked for thirty-eight years. He was also a member of Timber Ridge Baptist Church. Surviving is his loving wife and devoted caregiver, Betty Witt Wilkerson; his three children, Jerry Wilkerson and wife, Terri, of Bedford, Cathy Logwood and husband, Gene, of Bedford, Kim Smith and husband, Dick, of Forest; four grandchildren, Joseph Wilkerson and wife, Ashley, Jessica Shrewsbury, Diana Wilkerson and Kyle Smith; two great-grandchildren, Thomas and Jackson Shrewsbury; a brother, Page Wilkerson and wife, Kathleen, of Bedford; a sister, Lois Abbott and husband, Kenneth, of Bedford. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Bedford Lifesaving Crew, P. O. Box 161, Bedford, VA 24523 or Timber Ridge Baptist Church, 3234 Timber Ridge Road, Bedford, VA 24523. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 11 a.m. at Timber Ridge Baptist Church, with the Rev. Rick Foster and the Rev. Clayton Riggs officiating. Interment will follow in Timber Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery. Friends may call Monday after 12 noon and the family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times from Mar. 1 to Mar. 2, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for James Wilkerson

Not sure what to say?





Billie Bryant

March 3, 2009

Betty, and Family
May you find comfort,peace with
family, friends and church at this time.God be with you.

Sonja Owens/Orange

March 3, 2009

For Kim and the Family;

Kim I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your father. I will always remember his since of humor when we as kids would get together. I will always remember how welcome he made me feel when I went on vacation with your family and the frequent visits I made. I know he provided a safe haven for you all, and now will watch over you all from above. Please contact me if you need anything and just know that God is with you through this.

May God Bless You & Keep You;
Sonja

Murielene Swindeck

March 2, 2009

To Jimmy's Family:

Please accept my deepest sympathy. I remember Jimmy as a handsome and gentle young boy at Liberty Academy. I believe, too, that Lois and Betty were my classmates. May God keep you in His loving care as you heal from your loss of one so dear. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Murielene Hodges Swindeck

Gail Orange

March 2, 2009

I am truly sorry for your loss. The family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Mary Arnaudin

March 2, 2009

Dear Betty,
I was visiting my parents when they got the news about Jimmy. We were so very saddened and concerned for you all as you cared for him during his illness.
I am grateful that my parents took us to the reunions so I got to know your family. It was especially fun to catch up with Cathy each year. I also appreciated Jimmy's way of talking and his genuine interest in everyone. May the Lord bless you and keep you, love Mary Wilkerson Arnaudin.

Dale tenPas

March 2, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Jimmy for several years before he retired and was always impressed with his gentle spirit and his thorough knowledge of his work. He was a pleasure to work with. Your entire family will be held up in prayer during this time.

Lee and Cecilia Fowler

March 1, 2009

Mrs. Wilkerson,
Lee and I are so sorry to hear about Jimmy's passing. I always loved to hear Jimmy talk. He had such a low manly voice. Jimmy was such a gentle person, and we both admired him for that.

Just know that we will both be praying for you and the family.

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