JAMES ALLEN WILKINSON 57, of Clewiston, Florida passed away Thursday, November 25, 2010 at Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers, Florida after suffering a tragic accident at his home on Monday. Mr. Wilkinson was born February 2, 1953 in Tampa, Florida and grew up in Pahokee. He was a member of the first graduating class of Glades Day School and Nashville Auto Diesel Mechanics School in Nashville, TN. He then returned to the Glades to join the family farming business. Jim is survived by his wife of 36 years, Phyllis Giese Wilkinson, his son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy and Charlotte Wilkinson of Plant City and his two grandsons, Jay and Levi. He is also survived by two sisters, Beverly Upthegrove of Lake City, Florida and Kathy Garolsky of Royal Palm Beach, Florida. He is preceded in death by his daughter Jessica Wilkinson and his parents, James Harry and Margaret Wilkinson. He also leaves behind many other family members and close friends. Mr. Wilkinson was a member of the First Baptist Church of Clewiston, where he participated in the choir, Sonrise Café, and the hospitality committee. He spent many happy hours cooking and serving to members of his church. He was an active leader of the Clewiston Relay for Life where he served as the logistics chairperson. He worked tirelessly to help raise money and was a star supporter of "Team Jess" . He was also an avid sportsman, who loved spending time outdoors. If you needed anything "fixed", Jim was the man. It was impossible to be bored around him. He was a teaser and a pleaser. He had a gift for making outsiders feel included and needed. He was devoted to his family, and constantly bragged about his two grandsons. A celebration in Mr. Wilkinson's memory will be held on Tuesday, November 30, 2010, 7:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Clewiston. Friends will gather at church beginning at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Wilkinson chose to share with others in death, by donating his organs to Life Link, enabling others to benefit from his life. Thanksgiving will have new and special significance to many families thanks to Jim's final gift. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral
Published by The Palm Beach Post from Nov. 29 to Dec. 6, 2010.