James Wilkins Jr.

SFC (Ret) James Earl Wilkins Jr., was born to the late, James Earl Wilkins Sr., and Mamie (Houston) Wilkins on March 5, 1921, in Jones Corner, Wood County Texas.

He was raised in Floydada, Texas until he enlisted for the U.S. Army in January of 1942, with the help of his mother, who had to sign a waiver because it was two months prior to his 21st birthday.  During his World War II experience, he was credited with five Tiger Tanks kills, through which he earned both a Silver & Bronze Star.

After the war, he married Esteene Crone in Waco in 1946 and they remained together for 58 years until her passing in March of 2004. Both were devoted believers in Jesus Christ throughout their years together, and were members of First Baptist Church in Nolanville, where James had served as a Deacon since October 1984.

When asked about how he would want to be remembered, James replied, “ I want to be remembered as a Christian”.

Left to cherish his memories are his children; Delores Davis; his two sons, James E. Wilkins III and his wife, Linda of Nolanville, Texas and Steve A. Wilkins and his wife, Susan of Killeen.

A host of grandchildren, great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, as well As numerous nieces and nephews.