April 27, 1961 – August 10, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James “Jim” Steven Wilkinson at the age of 65 years old from cardiac arrest in Orlando, FL. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert Wilkinson and Delphine Wilkinson (Bishop) and stepmother Joan Wilkinson. Jim was the only brother of five sisters: Diane (Ken), Suzanne (Van), Tracy, Marianne (John), and Laurel (Hans). He was an uncle to eight nieces and nephews: Bradley, Rachel, Gillian, Ella, Kylar, Alexander, Nina and Julia. Jim had four “bonus” grandchildren from his brother-in-law Van: Zachary, Brandon, Preston, and Addison. His nieces, nephews, and grandchildren hold many fond memories of Jim as the “tickle monster”, fishing instructor and coach, spontaneous play specialist, and master of card and board games including Spot IT®, backgammon, dominos, gin rummy and many more.

Jim was born in Detroit, MI and had been living in Orlando, FL for over ten years. He lived in many places during his life including Houghton, MI; Berkeley, CA; Columbus, OH; throughout VA, and then Orlando, FL area. He attended Northville High School in Michigan and continued lifelong friendships with the classmates he met there.

Growing up in a big family was filled with big adventures as well.  Some of them included special trips with Grandpa Bishop to Florida, and having ‘tomato fights’ in our yard. A few other of Jim’s interests were introduced by our father including Star Trek, nature shows, gardening, hunting, and fishing and ice fishing. In his younger days, he loved exploring the woods, taking care of rabbits, and taking apart small appliances to learn how they worked.

Although Jim moved around, he never forgot his roots in Michigan. Jim seldom missed a sporting event, college or pro game of Michigan Teams. He loved Michigan food including Detroit style pizza, Coney dogs, Faygo soda pop, Guernsey Farms ice cream and Zingerman’s deli.

Jim was known for his observant thoughtfulness especially to people that were older; partly because he was such a good listener. A hard worker, he was always helping his mom, his stepmother, or Van’s 102-year-old mother. This loyalty and patience extended to neighbors and strangers as well. Jim loved animals…and they loved HIM. He always seemed to have a cat. Living in Florida Jim enjoyed taking his cat, Felix, ocean fishing in pursuit of catching a pompano. He was an ethical fisherman and practiced ‘catch and release’ even when not required, and always was on the look-out for injured ocean life. In fact, Jim was always looking out for the sick, injured or homeless creatures throughout his life.

The last 10 years had been so satisfying and happy for Jim. He has been traveling with trips to South Carolina, Texas, Fort Lauderdale, California, Canada, and Michigan.  He recently saw his good friends in California and was inspired to begin his own small succulent garden on his patio back in Orlando. One of Jim’s bucket list items was achieved when he took some of his nieces and nephews salmon fishing on Lake Ontario. 

If you were lucky enough to get one brother, Jim was the one to have.

There will be a private ceremony in the Holy Sepluchre Chapel, Southfield, Michigan in July 2027 and burial in the cemetery, near his parents, both sets of grandparents, and a dear uncle.

The family would like to thank you for your continued warmth and support in trying to fill the huge hole left in our hearts. In Leu of flowers please consider a donation to:

Organ and Tissue Donation: https://www.ourlegacyfl.org

Conservation, Wildlife & People Coexist WCN: https://www.wildnet.org

Supporting & Adopting Animals: https://www.animalhumanesociety.org