James Wilkes

Obituary of James Franklin Wilkes

James Franklin Wilkes, 79, of Cleveland, Ohio died July 30, 2020 in St. Petersburg, Florida and was a South Tampa, Florida resident for three (3) years.


James was born May 22, 1942 in Galion, Ohio, to Brooklyn and Reatha (McDonald) Wilkes.


He attended Collingwood High School in Cleveland, Ohio and is a Veteran of the Air Force. He grew up in Cleveland most of his life and worked as a true entrepreneur with a strong work ethic endeavoring in his final line of work as a successful Executive Limo Business owner for the Elite as they came to the great city of Cleveland.


In his younger years, he enjoyed coaching his girls cross country team, the Cardinals, taking them to Nationals in Florida, coaching the Reynolds Reds baseball team to win the championship and win a trip to Pittsburg, teaching the endurance of the race - 2 Timothy 4:7 - “I have fought the good fight and I have finished the race and I kept the faith and working with his son in his business endeavors with the included daily ice cream runs and attending his son’s church in Cleveland.


He attended Radiant Church of South Tampa. James had a lifelong love for Jesus (where he is now rejoicing), Ohio State football games, Cleveland Browns Football and anything outdoors such as his long rides on the Bayshore in his adult running bike. He also loved Caramel Frappuccinos, Snickers, Pepsi, Oreos and Butter Pecan Ice cream.


James is survived by his children, Shelley Herkel-Hill (Jim), Racquael Wilkes, Marcelleo Wilkes and James Wilkes Jr. (Jennifer); his grandchildren; Rhama, Jordan, Rebecca, Brooklyn, Jeremiah, Ashlyn, Joshua, Rylee, Jesse, Reisa and Joel; Great-Grandchildren; Harley, Jaz and Rajah.


In many conversations with Dad, his heart was to help others rebuild broken relationships; James was estranged from his children the majority of their adult lives. BUT GOD... and His redeeming power allowed all four (4) of his children to mend their relationship with him on some level. This is mentioned today, as we know he would want to share with others the Power of God’s forgiveness and miraculous intervention when we let go of resentment and love others unconditionally. When we allow God to “Break In” our heart and heal the deepest parts, we have all ability to express abounding love repeatedly. Loving someone unconditionally is the example Christ has for us. James, our beloved father, has shown that Love, Grace and Mercy conquers All. God’s command to us is to Honor our Parents. Possibly one of the deepest spiritual lessons we can learn may come from the most painful parts of life. Perhaps your Prodigal may not be a child but a parent, friend or sibling; God’s love for us is boundless, profound, reconciling and unreserved. BUT can be restored in an instant! We love you DAD! Your heart is with us and we are grateful for our reunion here on earth.... And looking forward to the reunion with you in the heavens. "To be absent from the body is to be present before the LORD!"


A Time of Celebration in honor of James Wilkes will be held at the home of Racquael Wilkes on August 9, 2020 from 2:00-5:00 open house located at 3422 W. Barcelona Street, Tampa, Florida, 33629.


In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to:
Hope Exchange - a Heart for Cleveland @ hopeforcle.com OR The Hero Revolution/Omegaman & Friends @ omegamanschools.com
  

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Sunday
9
August

Celebration of Life

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Sunday, August 9, 2020
Racquael Wilkes’ Home
3422 W. Barcelona Street
Tampa, Florida, United States
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