James Willie Wilkins

James Willie Wilkins, 64, passed away on January 4, 2025, at Kansas City VA Medical Center, in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born on February 2, 1960, in Palestine, Texas to Jesse Milton Wilkins and Janie Wilkins (Martin).

He grew up in Fort Worth, Texas and graduated from North Side High School in Fort Worth, Texas.

James joined the United States Army in 1983 and served for four years. He achieved the rank of E4 Specialist.

He was employed at J.E. Dunn Construction where he worked as a brick mason for six years.

James attended Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri where he received a Master’s of Divinity. Reverend Wilkins served as Assistant Pastor of St. Mark Church and later, Pastor of St. Paul Presbyterian Church until he retired.

He was inducted as an Elder Statesman of Kansas City Jazz, an entity of the Mutual Musicians Foundation. He served as Chaplain at North Kansas City Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, and the Jackson County Correctional Facility.

James married Patricia Wilkins (Gilmore) on February 1, 1994, in Kansas City, Missouri. They were happily married for 31 years.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Wilkins and Janie Wilkins, his son Jason Mathews, grandsons: Lionell Pierson and Theophilius Johnson, and his nephew, Cory Wilkins.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Wilkins; children: Mary White (Thomas), Stephanie Bunting, Tanisha Gilmore, Eric Wilkins, Ebony Gilmore, and Verron Gilmore (Rachelle); siblings: Michael Wilkins (Brenda), Dianna Willingham (Lester), Debra Carrigan (Curtis), Kathy Stephens (Victor), Gaye Wilkins, and Jill Ashley (Robert); 14 grandchildren, five great grandchildren, a host of relatives, godchildren, foster children, and friends.