James Leo Wilkins

James “Jim” Leo Wilkins, 83, of Covert, passed away June 27, 2019 in his home under hospice care. He was born June 16, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois to Harry and Mary (Keefe) Wilkins. Jim worked as a warehouseman for Dominick’s Finer Foods for 23 years before his retirement in 1994. He married Suzanne Callaghan on December 7, 1988 in Chicago and they shared 31 years of marriage. He enjoyed being outdoors cutting grass and keeping his property up. Jim was also an automobile enthusiast and liked to spend time working on cars. He also enjoyed the flea market.

He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings – Laverne Harling, Marie Hill, Harry Wilkins, Evelyn Mooney, John Wilkns, Charles Wilkins, Robert Wilkins, Patrick Wilkins, and Ann Harhen, and grandson – Dane A. Wilkins.

Jim is survived by his wife, Suzanne, Children – Joyce LaForte of Bristol, Connecticut, James (Judy) Wilkins, of Minooka, Illinois, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Wilkins of Wheaton, Illinois, Justin Wilkins and Krystal (Eric) Pilch of Kalamazoo, Michigan and Sarah Wilkins of Crofton, Maryland. Seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews also survive.

A visitation will be held Saturday, July 13, 2019 from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. at Filbrandt Family Funeral Home in South Haven, Michigan. Memorial Services will follow at 3:00 P.M. at the funeral home with Pastor Wesley Pauls officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jim’s honor to the American Cancer Society at P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan at 222 North Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.