James (Jim) William Wilkey, 88, of Marion, Indiana, passed away peacefully January 15, 2025.
He was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on November 10, 1936 to Ollie and Mildred (Long) Wilkie. He was the oldest child of eight.
Jim worked for Dana Corp in Marion until he retired in 1994. After retirement, he moved to Florida and drove a school bus until he retired again and moved back to Marion, Indiana. He was a life member of The Fraternal Order of Eagles. He did every job possible there through the years including state president.
Jim was a kind and caring man to everyone who knew him. He loved his family. His children grew up fishing and camping. Jim loved to bowl.
Jim was married twice. He was married to Elizabeth (Walters) until their divorce in 1958. Elizabeth passed away in 2010. He met Mary Turney and they were married November 10, 1972. Mary passed away October 16, 2018. In 2023, Jim met Georgianna Buckley. Jim and Georgianna spent all their time together, until the end.
Jim is survived by his children; Fred (Kathy) Wilkey of Spalding, MI; David (Margaret) Wilkey of Elkhart, IN; Kenny (Renee) Wilkey of Wilson, MI; Elizabeth (Mark) Gudwer of Cunard, MI; Cindy (Rick) Kennedy of Spalding, MI; Ann Sparks and life partner, Darrell; stepsons, Terry Ruud and Bob Ruud; siblings; Robert “Bob” (Mary) Wilkie; Judy (George) Catterson and Mildred (Bruce) Johnson; 24 grandchildren; 43 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his son, James “Jimmy” Wilkey who passed away in 1958; brothers, Albert Wilkie and Steve Wilkie; sisters Verne Wycoff and Marilen McFall and a son-in-law, John Sparks.
Visitation for Jim will be on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Roselawn Funeral Home. Services will be at 1:00pm on Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery.
