James (Jim) Russell Wilkinson, 84, of Huntsville, Alabama passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026.He was born December 6, 1941 in Kewanee, Illinois to Harold and Betty Wilkinson.
Jim came to Alabama in the 60s while in the Army. He met his future wife in a convenience store and the rest, as they say, is history. He worked most of his career as a computer programmer before going to work for The Huntsville Times, prior to his retirement in 2007. Jim was an active member and deacon at Westlawn Baptist Church. He was also a Masonic Lodge member.
Jim was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He had an outgoing, fun personality and was one of the friendliest people you would ever meet. He loved to work on his tractor, vacation at the beach, sing, work in his garden and with his many plants and flowers. But more than anything, Jim loved his family. Whether for a holiday, a birthday or just a random impromptu gathering, nothing made him happier than his family being together. He will be deeply missed but the laughs, love and memories that he left behind will be cherished and remembered forever.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Becky Bogner, brother Bill Wilkinson and grandson RJ Bowman.
He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Barbara; daughters Sonja Wilkinson, Tina (David) Calhoun and Kristi (Erik) Sears; grandchildren Jessica (Cody) McFarland, Valerie (Connor) Stokes and Dylan Calhoun; great grandchildren Aiden Murphy, Dakota Murphy, Todd Sears, Emma Sears, Connor Bowman, Bentley McFarland, Jackson McFarland, Sawyer Stokes, Everly Stokes, Preston Cain, Katelyn (Dustin) Tidwell, and Natasha (Austin) Boyett; and great great grandson, Landon Tidwell. He is also survived by three sisters, one brother, several nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends.
Visitation will be held at Valhalla Funeral Home on June 30, 2026 from 1:00 to 3:00. The service will follow at 3:00, officiated by Pastor Raine Wohlwend.
Pallbearers: David Calhoun, Dylan Calhoun, Connor Stokes, Aiden Murphy, Todd Sears and Cody McFarland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Westlawn Baptist Church.
