James (Jim) Robert Wilkinson

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Jan. 29, 1954- Sept. 27, 2024

CURTIS, Neb. - James (Jim) Robert Wilkinson, lifetime resident of Curtis, Neb., passed away suddenly on Sept. 27, 2024, at the age of 70. Jim was born Jan. 29, 1954, in Omaha, Neb., and was the beloved son of Donald Penner Wilkinson and Jeanne (Walrath) Wilkinson.

Jim attended Curtis Public School and Medicine Valley Jr.-Sr. High School in Curtis, Neb., graduating with the class of 1972. In high school, Jim excelled in both football and basketball. He then attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln studying Business Administration. After college, Jim returned home to Curtis and worked at the Curtis State Bank. Later he joined his father, Don Wilkinson, in opening and operating the Wilkinson Insurance Agency for 40+ years before his retirement in 2016. Soon after retirement, Jim began working for Midwest Special Services Inc where he was employed until his passing.

On May 2, 1988, Jim married Barbara Hutchinson. To this union were born a son, Justin Chase in 1985 and a daughter Tara Ashley, born in 1987. Jim was a devoted, loving father, attending every sporting and school event his children participated in. He enjoyed hearing about his grandson’s activities and could once again be found in the stands on a Friday night. He was also the proud “Gramps” of his beloved infant granddaughter Elise Taylor Wilkinson.

Jim was very active in the Curtis community serving on various boards. He enjoyed traveling, was an excellent carpenter, gifted woodworker, successful gardener, self-proclaimed bird watcher and an avid golfer. Jim was a member of the men’s golf league at Arrowhead Meadows Golf Course for many years.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Don and Jeanne Wilkinson, step-mother Doris Wilkinson, infant granddaughter Madi Reese Wilkinson, and niece Maegan Franco.

He is survived by his children, Justin (Darcy) Wilkinson of Ashland, Neb., and Tara (Randy) North of O’Neill, Neb.; sister Nancy Wilkinson Stephenson (Mark) of Lone Tree, Colo.; grandsons Ty and Shawn Carey and granddaughter Elise Wilkinson of Ashland, Neb.; along with cousins, extended family and many friends.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at the Curtis Methodist Church, 402 Center Ave, Curtis, Neb., with Pastor Donna Johnson officiating.

Interment will follow in the Curtis Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jim Wilkinson family.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.