James Wilkinson (Bolivar)'s Obituary
James "Jim" Wilkinson, 82, passed away on September 14,2015 at 1:49am at his
home in Raytown, Missouri after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Jim was born on
November 3, 1932 in Bolivar, Missouri to Paul and Dorothy Wilkinson. He grew up
in Bolivar and graduated from Pleasant Hope High School in 1950. Jim had a passion
for working on motors and enjoyed drag racing with his friends. This passion
eventually led him to fall into the elevator trade where he worked for Montgomery
(Kone) Elevator Co. for over 50 years. Jim's father, Paul, owned an auto parts store
and Jim carried on his father's legacy by opening Jim's Auto Parts at his family's
building at 202 E. Jackson in Bolivar, MO. Jim was entirely committed to providing
for his family and received many accolades of excellence in his chosen profession.
Jim never met a stranger and would give the shirt off his back to a stranded motorist
or neighbor in need. He touched the lives of people from all walks of life with his
generosity.
Jim is preceded in death by his first-born son Michael, his mother and father, his
brother Charles Wilkinson and his niece Cheryl Madden. Jim is survived by his son
Kelly Wilkinson of Raytown, MO, his daughter Jill Wilkinson of Springfield, MO, his
sister Mary Thiessen of Bolivar, MO, his granddaughter Taylor Rotramel and her
husband Anthony of Nixa, MO, his great-granddaughters Kinsley and Kennedy
Rotramel and the mother of Kelly and Jill, Phyllis Wilkinson. He is also survived by
two nephews, Richard and David Thiessen (and family) and one niece, Joy Lynn
Rush (and family).
What’s your fondest memory of James?
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Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
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