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James Wilkinson Obituary
1956-2017
James "Jim" Richard Wilkinson, devoted husband and father, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2017. A native Houstonian, born August 3, 1956, Jim graduated from Texas A&M University in 1978 with a BBA in Accounting.
Jim was an established financial executive, a successful entrepreneur and investor, as well as consultant to entrepreneurial companies. As a CPA, Jim identified a gap in the marketplace and launched The Strategic CFO in 1999, serving as President and Founder. In 2010, Jim developed a coaching program to mentor financial leaders in "the art of being a CFO."
In addition to his work, Jim was an adjunct professor at the Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Houston, where his goal was to integrate real-world experience with the traditional classroom. He was passionate and instrumental in growing the mentorship program. All who worked with Jim will testify to his integrity, honesty, wisdom, generosity, and tremendous work ethic.
More exceptional than anything is Jim's love for family. He adored his wife of 34 years, Karen, and always said his daughters, Stephanie and Kristin, were his "two greatest accomplishments."
Jim is remembered for his warmth and hospitality, quick wit, and genuine love of people. He was creative, passionate, and particularly driven to help others find their "unique ability." Jim had a zest for life. Through his infectious laughter, Jim lit up the room, often laughing at his own jokes. He loved fishing, teasing people, and coming up with thought-provoking questions at the dinner table. He was the consummate host and had a gift for making people feel welcome and feel like family.
Jim is preceded in death by his father, John Slifer Wilkinson. He is survived by his mother, Virginia Golding Wilkinson; wife, Karen Connell Wilkinson; their two daughters, Stephanie Berzette Wilkinson and Kristin Case Wilkinson Wescott; son-in-law, Benjamin Brook Wescott; brothers, Robert "Bob" Gordon Wilkinson and John "Jack" Charles Wilkinson; and his squirrel-hunter, Finn, as well as extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2017, at 11 a.m. at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas, 77027 with a reception to follow. Please wear blue attire or a color of your choice.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be directed to establish a scholarship for students in the Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship. Checks should be made to the University of Houston with a memo description, "WCE Jim Wilkinson Memorial Fund." Donations can be mailed to: Office of Advancement, C.T. Bauer College of Business.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Wilkinson
Darlene Kay King
June 14, 2023
Growing up with Jimmy on Glengarry in Houston brings back so many memories. Lady his Collie and his horse Clyde. He will never be forgotten.
Darlene Kay King
July 27, 2021
Sitting with sisters on vacation and was talking of old friends from our neighborhood. We were the Kay girls that lived one house over. I was in same grade as Jimmy. So sorry to hear of the family´s lose. May God be with you all. Nancy, Joyce, Darlene and Doris "Sissy".
Geri Pacheco
July 21, 2017
I was so saddened as I just learned of Jim's passing. He was such a thoughtful, thought-provoking person who truly cared about his clients and educating those coming into the accounting profession. I was fortunate enough to attend his "Art of the CFO" seminars and garnered much knowledge from him. We joked about writing a book together someday. My condolences to his family, his wife Karen, and his daughters. We will miss Jim immensely.
Lenni and Bill Burke
June 25, 2017
Karen, I am so shocked and sorry to hear about Jim! I left for Colorado on Jun. 21, so was unable to attend the service, but was with you in spirit. We have so many fond memories of fun times with both of you - he will be missed!
Love, Lenni and Bill
Angela Moretti
June 24, 2017
Karen and family,
My most sincere condolences. I have fond memories of Jim at Strategic CFO and our many conversations around his interest in business coaching. He was a vibrant part of the Houston business community and will be missed by hundreds, I'm sure.
Audy Cody Largent
June 23, 2017
Karen, even though it has been some time since i met Jim, I still remember his smile and warm welcome when I dropped in on that busy family holiday gathering in Emory. I know there will be an empty spot in the lives of those who knew him well, and may the reassurance that there are so many who care and are thinking of you all comfort you in your sorrow.
Mike Spartalis
June 23, 2017
An exceptional CPA who cared about his clients those associated with him and his profession.
May his memory be eternal!
June 22, 2017
Kristin, we send love and many thoughts and prayers to you and your family. We are so sad for all of you. Love, Leighton and Jim Krips
David Browning
June 21, 2017
We are thinking of Jim's wonderful family every day and you are in our prayers. Jim had a direct and positive impact on my career as a CFO. Wish we had been able to go on a fishing trip together Wingman....
June 20, 2017
Words are so inadequate to convey our inner most thoughts but we wanted to share our feelings and fervent prayers for Jim's family, Karen, Stephanie and Kristin as well as his extended family throughout the country. God bless and God Speed.
Lovingly,
Maria and Ric Evans
Gig Harbor, Washington
Dick and Nancy Rutledge
June 20, 2017
Jim's dedication to sharing with others, his entrepreneurial spirit and great personality will be missed immensely.
Catherine Alexander
June 20, 2017
Wilkinson Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May Jim rest in peace but he will always be with you.
All Is Well
Death is nothing at all,
I have only slipped into the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name,
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used
Put no difference in your tone,
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household world that it always was,
Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was, there is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near,
Just around the corner.
All is well.
Henry Scott Holland
1847-1918
Canon of St Paul 's Cathedral
Catherine Alexander and Auxiliary Members of VFW Post 8790
The Webers
June 20, 2017
Such terrible news of his passing for our family. Jim was a great (former) neighbor and a kind warm-hearted man who so clearly loved his family. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family.
Lilly Lerner
June 20, 2017
Oh my I'm so sorry to learn if this news. My prayers are with your family.
Patricia Stewart
June 19, 2017
My warmest thoughts go to the entire family. May Jim rest peacefully in God's Arms.
Kathie Forney
June 19, 2017
Such sad news. Thank you, Jim, for all you have done for the Houston business community, Camp Aranzazu, and more. Thinking of and praying for your family.
June 19, 2017
Karen, Stephanie, Kristin, Bob, Gwen and Family
May his ever present memory be for a blessing and that you find comfort in the memories each of you have, knowing Jim made a huge impact in your lives. Send love and hugs to you all.
Barbara Pinzur
Steve Winter
June 19, 2017
What a beautiful and accurate description of one of my nicest, most sincere and warmest friends. Jim was an incredible man and true friend to everyone he touched. He was a great conversationalist and always made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. He was a great father and I am going to miss our debates and business discussions more than you will know. Jim you have been a tremendous influence on me both personally and professionally. My prayers are with Karen, Stephanie and Kristin and I hope you are fly fishing and trout fishing and in peace. I am going to miss you!
Val Gibbs
June 19, 2017
Jim was a well-respected businessman and very well liked by the Houston community. He will be missed by many.
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