James Kenneth Wilkinson, Jr.

James Kenneth Wilkinson, Jr. (Jimmy) died suddenly on Mother's Day, May 11, 2025. He was a true people person-outgoing, kind and generous to all who knew him. Laughter was always a component when Jimmy was around. Whether offering a quiet word of encouragement, or simply being present, Jimmy had an extraordinary gift for making everyone feel seen, valued and loved. He was a passionate golfer and loved by co-workers and patrons. His time with us was heartbreakingly brief and his sudden passing leaves a void that words cannot capture. Jimmy was an assistant manager at a north suburban golf course pursing his PGA card. Jimmy was a beloved partner to Katherine Karls and the cherished son of the late James Wilkinson, Sr. and the late Elizabeth "Lisa" Baur. He was the grandson of the late Adelbert von Chamisso and Helen Baur (nee Weber), and of Jule Wilkinson (nee Fitzpatrick). He was the devoted stepson of Regina (Fishman) Wilkinson and honorary stepson of Sean Casey. Jimmy was a loving brother to Loren, Amy, and Megan Wilkinson, devoted nephew of Tom Wilkinson (Margie), Bob Wilkinson (Kathy) and the late John (Mary), Larry (Maureen) and Dan Wilkinson; Thomas Baur (Lee Blackwell-Baur), Barbara Fidler( the late Mark Fidler IV) and the late John, Rick, and Lynne Baur. Jimmy was also a treasured cousin of over 40 Wilkinsons and numerous Baurs, including Fidlers (Swam and Keck families), Webers, Nelsons and Ballesteros, Fishman family aunts uncles and cousins. Jimmy's spirit was inseparable from this cherished friends - James "Jamie" Martin, a beloved honorary brother as well as to Matt, Mitch, "Bear", Kyle, and countless others from Four Shadows in Chicago. A funeral Mass and celebration of Jimmy's life will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 1775 Grove Street, Glenview, IL 60025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jimmy's memory to: PGA of America REACH Foundation, 1916 PGA Parkway, Frisco, TX 75033. Info: donnellanfuneral.com (847) 675-1990.