Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James Wilkinson Obituary
NEW BUFFALO - James Kenneth Wilkinson, age 73, (September 13, 1950 to February 24, 2024) Longtime resident of New Buffalo, MI and Long Beach, IN.
Devoted husband (31 years) of Gina (Fishman) Wilkinson. Loving father of Jimmy, Loren, Amy, and Megan Wilkinson. Beloved son of the late Robert and Jule Fitzpatrick Wilkinson. Brother of Bob (Kathy) and Tom (Margie) and the late John (Mary), Larry (Maureen) and Dan Wilkinson. Special brother-in-law to Ron, Jim (Anna), Mickey (Marcia), Pat (Laurie Hertz), Mary, and Don (Karen) Fishman. Fond uncle and great uncle to over 35. Lifelong friend to many from Ascension Catholic Grade School and Oak Park River Forest High School.
Jim was a true people-person, outgoing, kind and generous to all who knew him. He treasured memories of domestic and foreign travels with his family and looked forward to many more adventures. He was a sports enthusiast, an avid golfer and particularly liked watching basketball, football and baseball, in person or on tv, especially Notre Dame. Jim thoroughly enjoyed hosting and cooking for family and friends for holidays and summer barbecues and was known for his phenomenal hospitality.
Family and friends will gather on Tuesday, April 2nd from 4pm to 9pm (eastern time) at the Marina Grand Resort, 600 West Water Street, New Buffalo, MI. Funeral Mass Wednesday April 3rd at 11am (eastern time) at St. Mary of the Lake, 718 Buffalo Street, New Buffalo, Mi, followed by a luncheon. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations to Sacred Heart Food Pantry, 326 W. 10th St, Michigan City, IN 46360 or Unity Initiative Chicago, https//unitychi.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Wilkinson
Larger than life. That was Jim. He could command attention by just walking in the room. Such a generous person. He loved his mom and all of his family. We miss you, Jim.
Dianne Luberda
Friend
April 9, 2024
Sending my deepest condolences Mr. Wilkinson´s family. I remember Mr. Wilkinson as a great coach and mentor back when he coached at Notre Dame. I have fond memories of those days and will miss bumping into him around Long Beach, which always led to great conversations.
My Deepest Sympathies,
Conrad Bar, Junior
Conrad Bar
April 3, 2024
Condolences and prayers from all the Garettos. Sorry we aren´t able to make the services, but our thoughts are with you all. God bless!
Mary Garetto & family
Friend
April 3, 2024
My sincere condolences to Gina, and "Jimbo"s entire family and the many friends that knew and loved him. You are all in my prayers - May God comfort you all and fill your heart with peace throughout the difficult days ahead.
Susan Maroney
Family
April 1, 2024
Sincere condolences to Gina and the family on the death of Jim. We are praying for you all at this sad and very difficult time. May Jim rest in peace from Oliver, Rose, Oliver jr, Darren, Peter & Arlene McKinley (Ireland)
Rose/Oliver Mc Kinley
Family
April 1, 2024
Sincere condolences to Gina and family on the death of Jim, we are praying for you all at this very difficult time. May he rest in peace. From your cousin in Armagh Ireland Seamus and Jane McKinley and family.
Seamus McKinley
Family
March 29, 2024
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Bill Piggins
Other
March 24, 2024
May your memories help you through this time of sorrow and bring you peace in the future. Jim will be remembered.
Kathy Verble Stan Kuchta
Friend
March 24, 2024
Gina, I will be in Atlanta April 3rd. I´m so sorry that I can´t attend.
Linda Bar
March 20, 2024
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Memorial Events
for James Wilkinson
How to support James's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Wilkinson's life and legacy
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
