WILKERSON, JAMES LESTER (AGE 75) OF WHIGHAM, GA FORMERLY OF MD

James Lester Wilkerson, Jr. was born on March 1, 1936 in Washington, D.C. to the late James L. Wilkerson, Sr. and the late Pauline Wilkerson. Suddenly, on Wednesday, December 21, 2011, he stepped into eternal life at the Grady General Hospital in Cairo, Georgia.

Affectionately known to family and friends as "Wilk" and "Junior," he grew up in the South West side of Washington, D.C. James was a hard worker even as a child. As the oldest of his siblings, he took it upon himself to provide for his family to the extent that he could. He took on a paper route and other odd jobs to help support his younger brother and sisters. As he grew in maturity and manhood, he sought out harder work that paid more money.

In lieu of a traditional high school, James attended Phelps Vocational High School where he found his love for wood. In 1954, he left "Phelps" and enlisted in the U. S. Army where he became a Paratrooper and Construction Blaster (demolition).

While serving in the Army, James was married to the late Rossetta Settles. Together, they had four daughters; Debra, Diann, Darlene and Donna.

In 1957, James was honorably discharged from the Army. His family expanded, adding a son, James Smith and step-daughter, Toni. He never showed favoritism to any of his children, loving them all equally.

In the early 60's, while riding down the street of Washington, DC, James would meet Ruth Neal who in 1962 became his life partner and wife. Together, they had one son, Ernest, who became a little brother to Larry T. Neal. Although a blended family, again, James loved all of his children equally.

James was employed by and retired from the Department of Defense and worked in the area of Procurement and Supply. He was also a member of the Disabled Veterans Association and the American Legion.

Because James was such a hard worker, he would use the weekends to "blow off steam." You could often find him visiting friends at Green Acers, Fords and don't forget "the bottom!" After some time with the "boys," he would stop to see his Mom on the way home. In addition to time with family and friends, James enjoyed his "old school music" and older artists such as Smokey Robinson, The Dells and many more. Fishing was another pastime that he enjoyed.

While at "Phelps," James' gift for working with wood and his hands became apparent. Later in life, he would use this gift to build two houses.

Born and raised in the city, James eventually yearned for a more simpler life and transitioned to the state of Georgia where Ruth had family. Together, they spent years of happiness tending to the many acres of land on their farm. James will be remembered by his family as being a very understanding man who was always generous with forgiveness.

In addition to his parents, his daughters Darlene and Donna, sister, Lorraine and brother, Ronald preceded him in death.


Left to cherish many memories are his devoted wife, Ruth, loving children, Debra, Diann, James, Toni, Larry and Ernest. Also surviving are 17 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, sisters Pauline Posey, Joyce Gray and Patricia Butler, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

His viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 3rd, 12:00pm until service time 1:00pm in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, MD 20640. The interment will be held on Wednesday, January 4th, 2:00pm at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD.