Obituary for James Wilkerson Sr.
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Meeting ID: 820 1601 1404
Passcode: Wilkerson
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Forever in Our Hearts ~ Remembering James
James Ulysses Wilkerson, Sr., affectionately known to family and friends as Wook, was born July 19, 1943, in Dinwiddie, VA. He peacefully transitioned on December 25, 2023, at Future Care Rehabilitation Center after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease.
James was educated in Dinwiddie County public schools and graduated from Southside High School in June 1962. After graduation, James joined the United States Army, where he served from June 1962 through May 1968. He served our country as an Expert Rifleman.
James relocated to the Washington, DC Metropolitan area after his Army service and pursued a career in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC). In 1981, he began working for Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO) as a Comfort Specialist. Once again, he reached an expert level in his career before retiring from PEPCO in April 2003. After retirement, James began working as an independent contractor doing what he truly loved to do, i.e., HVAC services. Everyone knew James was the person to call when you needed expert service, especially for heating and air conditioning. His customers always complimented his work and work ethic. He consistently delivered high-quality work and never walked away from a job until it was completed with excellence and his customer was totally satisfied.
James was well respected and loved by all that knew him. He had many friends and associates that shared in his hobbies. He and his best friend James West enjoyed taking fishing trips together. In addition to being a fisherman, James was a talented hunter, cook, and carpenter.
James was a true family man! He was a beloved husband, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother-in-law, and uncle. He was a proud and loving father and stepfather. He cherished many moments with all his children.
James’ generous spirit matched his stature, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew him. He was the epitome of the phrase “To know him was to love him." Upon hearing of his passing, family and friends were quoted saying, “He was incredibly kind and sweet.” “He was the best brother-in-law anyone could ask for.” “I loved my brother-in-law because he was a good person and a great husband.” “I am so heartbroken that my Uncle James is no longer with us.” These quotes represent the many received expressing love for James.
In July 1987, James met his current wife, Cecilia H Wilkerson. They met as a result of an air conditioning service call. Cecilia asked for his name, and he replied, “Wook, the best in the book!” Cecilia thought from that statement he was bragging. Only to find out, “He was in fact the best in the book!” They were married for 35 wonderful years. Cecilia always told people that she had the best husband a person can have. She was with him at his bedside as he transitioned. He would not leave without her being there.
James is predeceased by his parents, Eunice and Lewis Wilkerson; six brothers, John Wesley, Earl, Alfonso, William, Steve, and Herbert Lee; and sister, Lela Mae Barlow. Also preceded by father- and mother-in-law, James and Ruth Hogg.
James leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Cecilia H. Wilkerson; five children, Bryant White (Christy), James U. Wilkerson, Jr., Katrina L. Wilkerson, Niquell A. Hillman, and Nikita L. Hillman; three sisters, Hattie Scott, Maggie Barnes, and Mattie Smith; nine grandchildren, Gershawn B. J. Jones, who was like a son, Courtney Epperson (Duane), Stephon D. Wilkerson (Eboni), Stevon D. Wilkerson (Alex), Kania D. Steward, Danielle J. Carter, Derrick E. Felton, Jr., Dekota D. Felton, and Kayden White; ten great-grandchildren, Destin and Avery Epperson, Tyshawn and Tyson Jones, Kason Wilkerson, A' Zuri Chastain, Samara Wilkerson, Storrie Wilkerson, Terrance Geter, and Tania Geter; five sisters-in-law, Mary Wilkerson, Mary J. Butler (Stanley), Gail D. Hogg, Linda J. Bradley, and Jean E. Thomas; one brother-in-law, Gerald M. Hogg (Janet); best friend, James West; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
To join the service via Zoom, please click here at the time of service
OR
enter this ID and passcode into your zoom application:
Meeting ID: 820 1601 1404
Passcode: Wilkerson
If you are experiencing trouble connecting to zoom, try refreshing your browser. If the trouble persists, contact our technology department at 301-347-8348 or email us at jkjenkins@jbjfh.com. Thank you.
Forever in Our Hearts ~ Remembering James
James Ulysses Wilkerson, Sr., affectionately known to family and friends as Wook, was born July 19, 1943, in Dinwiddie, VA. He peacefully transitioned on December 25, 2023, at Future Care Rehabilitation Center after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease.
James was educated in Dinwiddie County public schools and graduated from Southside High School in June 1962. After graduation, James joined the United States Army, where he served from June 1962 through May 1968. He served our country as an Expert Rifleman.
James relocated to the Washington, DC Metropolitan area after his Army service and pursued a career in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC). In 1981, he began working for Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO) as a Comfort Specialist. Once again, he reached an expert level in his career before retiring from PEPCO in April 2003. After retirement, James began working as an independent contractor doing what he truly loved to do, i.e., HVAC services. Everyone knew James was the person to call when you needed expert service, especially for heating and air conditioning. His customers always complimented his work and work ethic. He consistently delivered high-quality work and never walked away from a job until it was completed with excellence and his customer was totally satisfied.
James was well respected and loved by all that knew him. He had many friends and associates that shared in his hobbies. He and his best friend James West enjoyed taking fishing trips together. In addition to being a fisherman, James was a talented hunter, cook, and carpenter.
James was a true family man! He was a beloved husband, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother-in-law, and uncle. He was a proud and loving father and stepfather. He cherished many moments with all his children.
James’ generous spirit matched his stature, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew him. He was the epitome of the phrase “To know him was to love him." Upon hearing of his passing, family and friends were quoted saying, “He was incredibly kind and sweet.” “He was the best brother-in-law anyone could ask for.” “I loved my brother-in-law because he was a good person and a great husband.” “I am so heartbroken that my Uncle James is no longer with us.” These quotes represent the many received expressing love for James.
In July 1987, James met his current wife, Cecilia H Wilkerson. They met as a result of an air conditioning service call. Cecilia asked for his name, and he replied, “Wook, the best in the book!” Cecilia thought from that statement he was bragging. Only to find out, “He was in fact the best in the book!” They were married for 35 wonderful years. Cecilia always told people that she had the best husband a person can have. She was with him at his bedside as he transitioned. He would not leave without her being there.
James is predeceased by his parents, Eunice and Lewis Wilkerson; six brothers, John Wesley, Earl, Alfonso, William, Steve, and Herbert Lee; and sister, Lela Mae Barlow. Also preceded by father- and mother-in-law, James and Ruth Hogg.
James leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Cecilia H. Wilkerson; five children, Bryant White (Christy), James U. Wilkerson, Jr., Katrina L. Wilkerson, Niquell A. Hillman, and Nikita L. Hillman; three sisters, Hattie Scott, Maggie Barnes, and Mattie Smith; nine grandchildren, Gershawn B. J. Jones, who was like a son, Courtney Epperson (Duane), Stephon D. Wilkerson (Eboni), Stevon D. Wilkerson (Alex), Kania D. Steward, Danielle J. Carter, Derrick E. Felton, Jr., Dekota D. Felton, and Kayden White; ten great-grandchildren, Destin and Avery Epperson, Tyshawn and Tyson Jones, Kason Wilkerson, A' Zuri Chastain, Samara Wilkerson, Storrie Wilkerson, Terrance Geter, and Tania Geter; five sisters-in-law, Mary Wilkerson, Mary J. Butler (Stanley), Gail D. Hogg, Linda J. Bradley, and Jean E. Thomas; one brother-in-law, Gerald M. Hogg (Janet); best friend, James West; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.