H. Wilkins, James

James H. Wilkins, Jr. of 3227 Halls Corners Road, Interlaken passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 at the age of 82.

Born on April 8, 1921 in Ithaca, Jim was the son of J. Holton Wilkins, Sr. and Violet Boyce Wilkins. He graduated from Interlaken High School in 1941.

Jim and his father worked side by side on their family farm for many years. Like all farmers, he was resourceful and learned to be a "Mr. Fix-It" man. With his compassion and soft-heart for animals and a desire to be out in the open air, farming was truly a labor of love for Jim. Jim retired from farming in 1976 and then returned to dairy farming with his son, Jim Wilkins III and fully retired in 1993.

When not working the land Jim could often be found pursuing his favorite past-times of woodworking, hunting, and fishing. Jim also found joy in volunteering at the Interlaken Historical Society and was a life-member of the Farmerville-Union Lodge #183 F & AM in Interlaken. His most memorable times were those enjoyed with family and friends. Jim's smile and gentle manner will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Jim was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Carol G. Wilkins on September 8, 1996. He is survived by five children, James H. Wilkins, III of Trumansburg, Suzanne Wilkins Hartman of Georgetown, TX, Phyllis Cushman Wyckoff of Johnstown, PA, Anne Cushman Miller of Mansfield, PA and David Cushman of South Bend, IN; ten grandchildren, Heather Davis, Meredith Wilkins, Danielle and Jeffrey Hartman, Paul Wyckoff, Lisa Saluck, Cherry Miller, Ronald Miller and Kevin and Phyllis Cushman; several great-grandchildren; four sisters, Dorothy Cornelius of Glendale, AZ, Winifred Kirk of Canandaigua, Alice Buck of Desert Hot Springs, CA and Betty McCheyne of Interlaken and one brother, Roger S. Wilkins of Desert Hot Springs, CA.

Due to adverse weather conditions, the calling hours and Memorial Service at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg and Prayers of Committal at Lakeview Cemetery in Interlaken will be delayed until early June 2004. Once scheduled, these services will be announced for the participation of Jim's many friends.

Contributions in Jim's memory may be directed to the Interlaken Historical Society, P.O. Box 270, Interlaken, NY 14847-0270.

Additional information may be obtained by calling the funeral home at 1-888-534-5446.

Page Submitted By: Joseph L. Sibley, Director