of Greenbrier, AR

May 4, 1927 - May 12, 2023

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of James Edward Wilkins (Jim), a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, stepfather, step grandfather and step great grandfather who passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on May 12, 2023 in Greenbrier, Arkansas. Jim was born on May 4, 1927 in Atlanta, Georgia to Claude and Myrtie Wilkins. He was the oldest of four siblings, Bill, Bob, Charlotte and Catherine. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Claud and Myrtie Wilkins; his brother, Bill Wilkins and his sisters, Charlotte and Catherine Wilkins.

Jim bravely served his country as a military police officer in the United States Army from 1945-1947. He was a graduate of Little Rock Senior High School in 1948. Throughout his life, Jim had a passion for music. He was an active member of the acapella choir and the men's quartet in high school. Jim was a proud veteran of the United States Army and shortly after leaving the military moved to California to be with his family. He spent the next 34 years teaching in California and positively impacting the lives of countless students. In addition to his career, Jim sang with the Pathfinder Quartet for 20 years in California. His favorite hobby was playing golf with family and friends. Jim moved back to Arkansas with his wife, Ava, in 2013. He continued his love for singing, by sharing on Sunday mornings, as a faithful member of Springhill Baptist Church.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Ava Wilkins; his brother, Bob Wilkins; his children, Kevin Wilkins (Janet), Heather Thrall (Phil) and Jannise Wilkins; his grandchildren, Jim Wilkins (Maddie), Matthew Thrall (Adrienne) and Jonathan Thrall (Jessica), as well as Kimi Thrall and Kari Wilkins. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Tripp Wilkins and Lucas Thrall. Jim was also a loving stepfather to Michael Morgan and Annette Thompson, and step-grandfather to Ashley Tallent (Scott), Nicole Thurman, Justin Morgan and Jason Uhrynowycz (Lauren). His step-great-grandchildren, Ryan, Seth and Morgan Tallent, Bailey Paschetti, Kenzie, Cohen and Dalton Uhrynowycz were blessed to have him in their lives.

Jim's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be remembered for his kindness, his devotion to his family, his passion for education and music, but most importantly, his dedication to the Lord. He will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, Jim.

Visitation will be at 10am Wednesday, May 17, 2023 with funeral service following at Springhill Baptist Church. Bro. Ed Stephenson will be officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Springhill Cemetery.

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