Search by Name

Search by Name

James Wilkie

1940 - 2019

BORN

1940

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Bohn-Matich Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc.

1099 Maplewood Ave

Ambridge, Pennsylvania

James Wilkie Obituary

James Wilkie passed away Friday, March 8, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nev., following a long illness. Born Sept. 27, 1940, in Perryopolis. Jim was a mover from a young age, living in various areas of Pennsylvania from Elizabeth and Belle Vernon. A 1958 graduate of Rostraver High School, he was onto California State Teachers College. He resided and taught middle school science in Akron, Ohio, prior to joining the Marine Corps. Jim attended officer candidate school, fixed wing flight school and finally rotor (helicopter) school. In 1967, he headed to Vietnam, where he flew rescue and mercy missions, awarding him with medals and a chapter in a book as he showed mercy to save a young girl's life. Jim was shot down in Vietnam, but still his love of flying grew stronger. He retired as Colonel from the USMC in July 1992, with several metals for courage and an endless list of accomplishments. Post-military, his love of flying continued in his life, where he served as captain on Eastern and Frontier Airlines. He continued flying NetJet, where his stories of flying celebrities and sports figures culminated his career. He continued with additional ventures, keeping his feet firmly rooted on the ground-but his tracks left in the air were where his heart remained. Jim met his beloved Nikki on his stint at Eastern Airlines and she kept his stories honest and his feet and life grounded in Las Vegas. Survived by his wife, Nikki; and his children, Brian, Scott, Brooke and James Wilkie and also Jon Petrick and Jeff Petrick; seven grandchildren, Andrew, Brian, Jordan, Connor, Mia, Anessa and Gianna; and one great-grandson. He is also survived by his sister, Gail Wilkie Druga (Nick), of Pittsburgh; and two nephews, Nick (Jamie), of Pittsburgh, and Adam (Casey), of New Jersey.
A memorial service was held prior in Las Vegas, which is followed by an afternoon memorial service Monday, Aug. 12, 2019, at BOHN-MATICH FUNERAL HOME, located at 1099 Maplewood Ave., Ambridge. Jim will take his final trip and be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. His final wings will be given as we listen to his HOORAH, a fine representation of how Jim lived.
Rest in Peace-God Speed-Fly High.

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

Published by Triblive Online Only on Aug. 4, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for James Wilkie

Sponsored by Bohn-Matich Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc..

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

Linda Deerfield

December 1, 2023

I flew with Captain Wilkie at Frontier Airlines. I never knew he was HERO and I am very honored I got to know and fly with him.

Brother Marine

August 10, 2019

Semper Fi Marine. Thank you for your service. R.I.P.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in James Wilkie's name

Memorial Events
for James Wilkie

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Bohn-Matich Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc.

1099 Maplewood Ave, Ambridge, PA 15003

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Wilkie's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more