James W. Wilkins, Jr. MD

Age 77, of Jackson, peacefully passed away at his home on Sunday, June 2, 2019 under the loving care of his family and Heartland Hospice. Jim was born July 22, 1941 at Ann Arbor, MI to James Willard "Tex" and Dorothy Wilkins. He was preceded in death by his parents and step-son, Thomas Straka. Jim is survived by his beloved family; his wife, Sandy; three daughters (mother, Jill), Wendy (Tom) Rasmussen, Megan (Mitch) Kulick and Erin Tinnermon; three step-sons, Joseph (Molly) Straka, William Straka and Rob Straka; eight grandchildren, Lindsay and Allison Rasmussen, Ben, Maya and Zoe Kulick, Cooper Tinnermon, Elyse and Jay Straka; siblings, Patricia (Robert) Creal, Charles (Jean) Wilkins and Thomas (Sue) Wilkins; nieces, nephews and many dear friends. Jim grew up in Ann Arbor, graduating from Ann Arbor Pioneer High School; he then went on to Undergraduate School and earned his Medical School Degree, both at the University of Michigan. During his educational years, he was involved in high school vocal groups and while a student at U of M, Jim was a member of the Glee Club. He served in the U.S. Army and then started his dermatology practice in Jackson where he compassionately cared for his patients over several decades. Memberships included Skiff Lake Bible Church, Doctors Bible Study, Men's Garden Club, Garden Lovers of Jackson, American and Michigan Hosta Societies. Jim had a great love of gardening and a great interest in hostas, he was Past President of the American Hosta Society and was International Registrar for the genus. Other interests included photography, rock collecting in regards to the study of Creation and serving as a Garden and Creation lecturer. A Celebration Service to honor his life will be held at First United Methodist Church, 275 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI 49201 on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at 11:00 am with Pastor Scot Keen of the Skiff Lake Bible Church and Mr. Joe Straka officiating. Military honors will be presented by the Jackson County American Legion Ritual Team. Interment will take place at a later date at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI. Visitation will be held at the Wilkins' home, 7469 Hunters Ridge Drive, Jackson, MI 49201 on Friday evening from 5 to 8 pm and at the church on Saturday beginning at 10 am. For those who wish to honor Jim's memory, please do so by doing something special for someone else and love your neighbor.

James W. Wilkins, Jr. MD

July 22, 1941 - June 2, 2019