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JAMES WILKINSON Obituary

JAMES DAVID WILKINSON, JR. Jim was the son of Cora Teague and James D. Wilkinson, Sr., born in Memphis, TN on January 28, 1934. He attended Bartlett High School, before entering the U.S. Air Force, during the Korean War. Jim died on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at Methodist Hospice Residence, after a courageous bout with pancreatic cancer. Jim met his best friend and right hand, Paula Holt Moseley while doing the Parents Against Illegal Narcotics, started by Sheriff Bill Morris, and she was the “Popcorn Lady” in the concession stand at Sheffield High School. They married on January 19, 1972 at Kingsway Christian Church. He was retired from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department as a Lieutenant in 1990. He began his career as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff in 1970. After his retirement, Jim worked for Pro Tech Security at Memphis University School, and later for Wackenhut at First Tennessee Bank in Olive Branch. Jim was a Charter member of the Poplar East Optimist Club for 30 years, serving in many capacities on the club, district and international levels. He served as Optimist Governor of the Tennessee District in 1982-83. Jim was named Officer of the Decade by Memphis and Shelby County Bar Association and was awarded the Most Outstanding Civic Club President by the Gavel Club. When Poplar East disbanded, Jim joined the Curve Optimist Club, which he was an instrumental part of building. Jim was also honored as one of President George H.W. Bush’s Thousand Points of Light. Jim has served as a Chief for the Neighborhood Watch at Plantation Lakes Subdivision in Olive Branch. Jim was a member of Piperton United Methodist Church and Unity Lodge. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cora Teague and James D. Wilkinson, Sr., his two sisters, Shirley Wilkinson Lewis and Bernice Wilkinson Walker, and a son, Randy Wilkinson. He is survived by his wife, Paula and his son and wife, H. Kenneth and Jane Moseley, Oklahoma City, OK; grandchildren, Andrew, Dustin and Devin Moseley and step-grandchildren, Tara (Peter) Levinson, Tiffany (Jake) Bondurant and Ryan Trotter, and five great-grandchildren, Tiara and Tasha Levinson and Bryce, Avery and Taylin Bondurant. Visitation will be Friday, October 26 from 5-8 p.m.; and funeral services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, October 27, all at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 5599 Poplar Ave. Interment with honors will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.memphisfuneralhome.net Memphis Funeral Home And Memorial Gardens 5599 Poplar Ave. (901)725-0100

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

Published by The Commercial Appeal on Oct. 26, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for JAMES WILKINSON

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jacquee knight mcdonald

November 14, 2012

Sorry to hear about mr. jim he was a great person we had lots of fun at the tree lot sold lots of christmas trees he was a great man and he will be greatly missed

Doc Winfrey

November 7, 2012

Jim was a great man--thoughtful, kind, generous. I loved the spagetti and chili that he brought for the teachers at MUS. The conversations we had were highlights of many a day. He had great jokes and a great attitude toward my MUS guys. He will be missed but always remembered.
Dr. Robert Winfrey
former MUS faculty/coach

Maxine Molasky

October 29, 2012

We will miss his happy face and his giving, kind heart. Please find peace in his memory.

Donna (Hartsoe) Price

October 28, 2012

My heart breaks just hearing of this news. My children too were saddened to hear of such an earthly loss but no doubt Heaven's gain. Mr. Jim meant alot to myself and my family. He spoiled my children with dumdum suckers and he and they both enjoyed every minute of it. Mrs. Paula and family if there is anything at all sweet lady I can do for you dont hesitate to contact me. Our sincerest thoughts and prayers are with you!

Debi, Mike, Doris Johnston/Joseph

October 27, 2012

Jim was always full of laughter and warmth. We will always remember his kindness. Love you Paula and family

Amy & Jim Sylvia

October 27, 2012

I can't tell you how much I wish I knew the perfect thing to say right now. I can only tell you that we care about you and that you're in our thoughts now more than ever.
Uncle Jim touched SO many lives in So many ways and will be missed by SO many people. May he rest in peace. God Bless

October 27, 2012

Aunt Paula,We are so sorry for your loss,Uncle Jim will be missed but has created many wonderful memories for so many people he will always be in our hearts... Much Love to You and the rest of the family. Daryl,Lynne,Alicia & Laura Bousner

Ryan Bolton

October 26, 2012

Dear Jim Sarah and I are deeply saddened by your passing. We shared many great times together while you tell me your girlfriend is actually my girlfriend but ill let you have her for a couple dates. You fought your hardest to make it for Mrs Paula and she was blessed to have you as a wonderful husband for so many years. If their is anything Sarah or I could do for your family please don't hesitate to ask we are always here for you.. We love you Jim and we will keep the decaf flowing up here for your legacy.. And to Paula you know you have a great support system at your favorite BBQ place.. You will be in our prayers love Sarah and Ryan

Tony cupcake Walden

October 26, 2012

I worked with Jim on the Sheriffs Dept. in the Fugitive Division. What a fine man. I looked up to him (even though I was taller that he was.) I remember one time he and Howard Liston went to lock up a large lady and this woman bounced them both all around the room. Jim will surely be missed. Prayers for Mrs. Paula Wilkinson and family. May God wrap his arms around you all and comfort you.

Brooks Sinquefield

October 26, 2012

Rest In Peace Jimmy. I was proud to be your friend and co-worker for many years at Wackenhut. My prayers go with your family.

Brooks Sinquefield

BILLY WICKS

October 26, 2012

MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH JIM,S FAMILY

Chuck Kraft

October 26, 2012

Jim I will miss you dearly. I will always cherish our friendship we've had over the last 20+ years and look forward to seeing you again someday.

Love ya buddy,
Chuck Kraft

The Francis Family

October 26, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know Jimmy will be missed by all, but he's surrounded by a lot of Wilkinson's right now.

Jenny Kraft

October 26, 2012

What a wonderfully kind man we have lost. He will be missed by many. I dont think JD ever met a stranger. I cant wait to see him again someday.

Forrest Moseley

October 25, 2012

Jim was a wonderful man and a loving grandfather. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love,
Frosty and Jamie

October 25, 2012

Please accept our sympathy. Paula, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are here if you need anything. Sending positive energy and love from our hearts to you, and of course, Jim will always remain in our hearts.

Donna and Melanie Thorsen
Germantown, Tenn

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