Portland, Oregon
Jan 7, 1943 – Nov 3, 2020 (Age 77)
James Randolph Wilkins
Jan. 7, 1943 - Nov. 3, 2020
Jim, son of Fred and Bonnie Wilkins, was born in Oakland, Calif., and passed in Astoria, Ore. Survivors include his wife, Regina; son, James Wilkins; daughters, Christine Wilkins, Marney Hefflin and Jessica Wilkins; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. His siblings, Ann Wilkins, Judith Wilkins and Thomas Wilkins remain.
He founded a contracting business that employed many, while paying family-living wages and benefits. His intellect was reflected in his prodigious reading. He preferred to purchase books from his local independent bookseller. He was ready to respond when causes needed him. His support for the Astoria Riverfront Trolley was enthusiastic and ongoing.
From Jazz and upright bass to guitar and his vocal stylings, music was Jim's lifelong passion. He was a member of rock and string bands, and other musical combinations later in life. In retirement, he taught himself to play banjo. His ownership of a restaurant in Astoria enabled him to bring a wide variety of musical talent to the North Coast.
He was an insightful writer; a football and rugby fan; union supporter; and in the end, usually right. He will be missed.
A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.
Please sign the online guest book at www.oregonlive.com/obits
Sorry to hear that you have passed Jim I will treasure the memories of playing together with Spud and your renegade spirit Jim Ydstie
Jim ydstie
April 04, 2024 | Work
Looked up to you.
Jamie patrick
October 03, 2022
It's been a while, but we went through some profound times together. I regard him as a great influence personally, a man of character and strength, whose time on Earth has affected my work, even these many moons later, in my music as well as my poetry, yet in ways impossible to say; such is the nature of friends who have affected us deeply. My greatest sympathies to Regina and to his children, sadly, whom I never met. My hopes for happy and fulfilling lives for you all.
Jim Riley
December 06, 2020 | Seattle, WA | Friend
Jim......So kind hearted, a great muscian and so smart! I enjoyed many intelligent conversations with you.
May you rest in peace-I will miss you!
Theresa Niemi
November 24, 2020 | Friend
A generous and adventurous soul. Life will go on, but it won't be the same without Wilkins.
J & T Legry
November 23, 2020 | Friend
I have good memories of listening to Jim play at the Folksingers Coffee House in the 1960s, in downtown Portland, across from the library. I'm sorry to hear he is gone.
Leif Running
November 22, 2020 | Portland, OR | Acquaintance
Jim was a terrific friend and a great Astorian. I treasured my time with him, he gave me great advice and the City and schools would not have been the same without his caring and volunteer spirit.
I valued his advice on civic matters and he always gave of his time and money to help when he could. As a Fellow Cal Graduate, we had a lot of good laughs together. Jim was an amazing character, and we all have benefited from knowing him. Love you Jim, Rest in Ruckus!!! and Peace.
Bob Ellsberg
November 21, 2020 | Friend
Jim was a wonderful musician and brought a compelling enthusiasm to whatever group he was part of. I am very sad to learn of his passing and my heart goes out to his family.
Jim Stewart
November 21, 2020 | Gearhart, OR | Friend
