James F. “Jim” Wilkerson, 78, Parsons, died Saturday, Dec. 25, 2010 at the Galichia Heart Hospital in Wichita. Death was unexpected.

He was born Feb. 15, 1932 in Wichita to Perry Thomas and Laurina Anna Linnebur Wilkerson. His family moved to the Parsons area in 1944. He attended school in Parsons and graduated from the Labette County Community High School in Altamont in 1950.

Jim joined the Army Reserve out of high school, where he obtained the rank of Sergeant and applied for active service. Unfortunately, diabetes prevented his admission and he was given an honorable discharge.

On Oct. 28, 1955 he married Juanita W. Cox at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Parsons. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2005.

Jim’s numerous skills and abilities allowed him to hold several jobs ranging from the Katy Railroad, manufacturing and construction until the birth of his son, Michael, in 1961, when he accepted a position with what is now Dayton Superior in Parsons. His duties ranged from welder to receiving officer until his retirement in 1995. Prior to his retirement Jim also served as a board of trustees member for the Parsons Credit Union. Jim was also a 3rd degree Knight in the order of the Knights of Columbus.

Survivors include his wife, Juanita Wilkerson, of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Tamara Wilkerson, Lawrence; grandson, Benjamin Thomas Wilkerson, Lawrence; sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Donald Gouvion, Parsons; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Virgil and Doris Cox, Thayer; numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members

His parents preceded him in death.

Jim was a loving husband, father and grandfather, loyal friend, dedicated worker, devout Christian, gifted wood worker and consummate jack-of-all-trades. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, with burial to follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The Knights of Columbus will recite the rosary at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and the Parish will recite the rosary at 7 p.m. Wednesday, at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the rosaries from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m..

Memorials are suggested to either the St. Patrick’s Church or the American Heart Association. They may be left at or sent to the funeral home at Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com or wooks@sbcglobal.net.