James Herman Wilkey, our beloved husband, father, grandpa, and great grandpa passed into the loving arms of Heavenly Father on October 13, 2024. Jim was born on June 21, 1941 in Nephi, Utah to Herman and Eldora Wilkey. He was raised in Nephi with his four brothers and loving parents. He was a proud father of four boys, and the loving husband of his sweetheart for 57 years. Jim and Sandy eloped on July 3, 1967 and were later sealed in the St. George Temple on March 13, 1971.
Jim was a dedicated family man who loved deeply and adored his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He took immense pride in all of their accomplishments and was always there to tease them relentlessly but also to support and encourage them. Throughout his life, Jim worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He managed Whiting Bros. service station in Kanab for 13 years before beginning a career as a diesel mechanic. His work ethic and dedication were evident in everything he did, and he was respected and admired by all who knew him.
Jim had a special bond with several loyal dogs who loved and protected him. He was a devoted husband who cherished his wife and was proud of her many talents. Their love and partnership were an inspiration to all who knew them, and their bond was unbreakable. Above all, Jim loved the Lord and had a deep testimony of Jesus Christ and the plan of Salvation. Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, and his legacy of love, hard work, and devotion will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.
He is survived by his sweetheart Sandy Wilkey, his sons Tony (Amy), Wade (Alice), and Jared (Kristy), brothers Byron (Rosalie) and Nile (Robyn), and sister in law Betty. He leaves behind 8 grandchildren Kylie (Mitch), Kelsey (Sajel), Kaden (Amanda), Chandler (Nicole), Shelby, Kendall, Bryson, and Shaye. and 7 great grandchildren, Peyton, Kacheton, Kaizley, LT Riggin, Charly, Ryder, and Tess. We know there was a joyous reunion on the other side with his brother Blair, father Herman, infant son Kendall, mother Eldora, father in law Stanley, brother Ramon, his Jack Russel Daffy, brother in law Kim, and many other family and friends.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 1:00 PM in the Kanab Utah South LDS Chapel, with a viewing at the chapel from 12:00-12:45 PM. Burial will be in the Kanab Cemetery. Services were arranged with Mosdell Mortuary.
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Jim Wilkey became a good friend even before his oldest son married mine and Fred’s youngest daughter, Amy! He was a good friend of Fred’s from working at Whiting Bros and Az refining. Fred thought the world of him.! We had many fun ⛺️ camping trips and we loved all his boys and Sandy too. through these many years. He will be sorely missed! Rest in Peace dear friend!
Jim, what an amazing man. I spent the summer between my junior and senior years of high school with Sandy and Jim. What an amazing example of a man, husband, friend, and father Jim was to me. Sandy and Jim are family, and I am only saddened by the lack of time I spent with them in these last years. Jim, you are amazing. I know you can hear me, and I know you will still be with Sandy in spirit to comfort her and also the boys. Rest in peace – I love you