James Allen Wilkins

James Allen Wilkins “Jim” AKA by his friends as “Willie.” 88 of Lakeland, Florida passed away at his home on January 12, 2024. Jim was born October 31, 1935, at the family home in Harrod, Ohio to Vernon Thayer Wilkins and Esther Sophia Gottschalk Wilkins,

Jim was educated in the Harrod public schools and graduated from Harrod High School in 1953. Following high school, Jim enlisted in the US Army.

Jim spent his career with Ford Motor Company at the Lima Ohio Engine Plant beginning 3/11/1957. He started on the assembly line and worked his way up to a supervisor/manger of several employees until his retirement 1/1/1996,

Jim married Nancy Lee Stivaktas and they had three children together. Jim and Nancy later divorced and she preceded him in death.

Jim was a gifted auto mechanic and loved working on cars. He was a crewman for 10 Indianapolis 500 races. Other hobbies include waterskiing, fixing lawn equipment and just helping people. Jim taught many kids and adults how to water ski. He enjoyed spending his weekend summers at his summer cottage in Defiance, Ohio. Jim was a very giving person and rarely asked for anything in return.

Survivors include his two daughters Julie Wilkins Eiseman of Charleston, South Carolina and Amy Wilkins of Lakeland, Florida; two grand children Brian Eisenman (Jenna) and Jennifer Eisenman Nichols (Ross); two great grand children; his brother Thomas L. Wilkins (Sue) and sister Emilie J. Huntsman and sisters in law JoAnn E. Wilkins and Jean K Shrider.

brother-in-lawd in death by his parents; stillborn son Ricky, brother Robert E. Wilkins; brother-in-law, Clair L. Huntsman; half-brothers Richard S. Wilkins, Melvin F. Wilkins, Max L. Shrider, and half-sister, Rose V. Roberts.

Funeral arrangements will be made at a later date as Jim has chosen to be buried in Ohio.