James Lowell Wilkinson, 89, returned to his heavenly home on June 18, 2021. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.

James was born to the late Ronald Blair Wilkinson and Clara Lena (Burkhardt) Wilkinson on November 6, 1931 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He graduated from Central High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1948 (received his GED) as he helped to support his family

James served as a Navy Korean War Veteran.

James was blessed with a large and loving family. He married Marilyn Diane Frantz on May 4, 1957.

James and Marilyn raised four children with patience, discipline and humility. He was a dedicated father, grandfather and great grandfather.

He and Marilyn spent their winters in the Tampa Bay area of Florida and summered in Troy Cedar and Goose Lakes.  Loved playing cards with his siblings and children

He enjoyed spending time as a baseball coach and umpire.

He worked for and retired from International Harvester in 1980 after 30 years.

Jim had 3 basset hounds that he loved ; Dixie, Daisy and Honey.

James is survived by his daughter, Ruth, and his sons, Kevin, Joseph and wife (Carmen), and Brian and partner (Maria). He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren whom he loved. Also surviving are his brothers, Paul and wife (Sue) Wilkinson, Larry Wilkinson, and 1 sister, Martha Willoughby. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Marilyn, in 2019, by his parents, 1 sister and 8 brothers.

Funeral service is Tuesday, June, 22 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with one hour of calling from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. prior at Covington Memorial Funeral Home 8408 Covington Rd. Fort Wayne, IN He will be interred at Covington Memory Gardens