James Leroy Wilkinson, 69, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025 at his home in Boulder.
Jim was born the second of 12 kids to Ed and Ruth Wilkinson. He became a passionate artist who loved life and making memories with family & friends. As for work, his jobs ranged from produce manager at the IGA in St. Ignatius, MT, to cross country firefighting around the country, to caring for developmentally disabled individuals at the Montana Developmental Center in Boulder.
After retiring, Jim enjoyed traveling and spending time with family around Montana and Washington and with his dogs Q, Spot and Sara.
Jim was predeceased by his father, Lee Edward Wilkinson, and a sister, Susie Wilkinson. He is survived by his mother Ruth Wilkinson; six brothers, Arthur (Connie) Wilkinson (Pasco, WA), Joseph Wilkinson (Missoula), Thomas Wilkinson (St. Ignatius), Christopher (Ronnie) Wilkinson (Boulder), Edward (Christine) Wilkinson (Cheyenne, WY), and Frank Wilkinson (Boulder); and four sisters, Colleen (Coco) Blood (St. Ignatius), Ruthie (Andy) Kulawinski (Alberton, MT), Cindy (Gerry) Neville (Cheyenne, WY) and Michelle (Jon) Dachel (Cheyenne, WY). Also surviving are Jim’s godson, Skyler (Faith) Wilkinson, of Basin, 23 nieces and nephews, and 27 great nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 16 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in St. Ignatius. A reception will follow at same church after burial at the cemetery
