James Wilkins

James Wilkins was born September 13, 1930. He departed this life on July 24, 2020 at the age of 89. He was born in Nash County, North Carolina to the late Claude and Cora Wilkins.

James moved to Washington, DC in 1951 and lived there until his transition. Also, in 1951, he married Eula M Reid, who was from Wilson, NC, and from that union they had four children. He was a member of the First Seventh Day Adventist Church in Washington, DC. He was employed by Safeway Food Chain Warehouse Headquarters until he retired after 45 years of service.

In James' younger years, though he wasn't fortunate enough to complete his high school education, he was blessed with a good job, and possessed natural talents that would enable him to develop special skills to make a decent, respectable, and worthy living. For example, he played music by ear i.e., electric guitar, and piano/keyboard. He helped others by doing odd jobs in his community, as well as for others in the DC area. He enjoyed listening to Rhythm and Blues, as well. He was a member of a gospel quartet before coming to Washington, DC. His love for music was one of the reasons he chose to move to Washington, DC, along the 14th and U Street, N.W. corridor, which is where his first residence was located.

James and Eula, his devoted wife of 50 years, were able to accomplish the American dream of raising a family together. He was definitely a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He loved his family.

James is survived by his children, Trude Wilkins Hilliard of Beltsville, MD, Diane Wilkins-Taylor (Charles “Johnny”) of Glen Burnie, MD, James Wilkins, Jr. (Kathryne) of Waldorf MD, and Randy Wilkins of Washington, DC; seven grandsons, Roy Andre Wilkins (Yajaira), Keith F. Shockley, Randy A. Shockley (Christy), Lamar Hilliard, Michael Wilkins, Shun Wilkins, and Julian Regis-Wilkins; one granddaughter, Shannon Wilkins; nine great grandchildren, Re’ana, Crenay, Randi, Remy, Kyshaun, Kyniah, Lekion, Devon and Timothy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Cora Wilkins, his wife Eula M. Reid Wilkins, and his brothers: Willard Wilkins, Edward Wilkins, Thomas Wilkins, Herbert Wilkins, and Claude Wilkins, Jr.

He is also survived by his sister Bessie McMillan of Boston, Massachusetts; his stepsister, Doris Hutherson of Wilson, North Carolina; stepbrother, Harold of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and a host of nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life and legacy will be held Saturday, August 8, 2020 at 3 pm at the Robert King, Sr. Memorial Chapel of Carrons Funeral Home, 726 South Tarboro Street, Wilson.  A public viewing will be Saturday, August 8, 2020 from 2 pm to 3 pm at Carrons Funeral Home.  

Please remember the Wilkins family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.  Condolences may be directed to www.carronsfuneralhome.com or faxed to 252.237.0120.  They may also be emailed to carronsfuneralhome@gmail.com.

Professional and caring service has been entrusted to Carrons Funeral Home, "The Willing Friend".