February 24, 1932 ~ August 7, 2026 (age 94)
James Dorsey “J.D.” Wilkes Sr.,94, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on the morning of August 7, 2026, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Alabama.
J.D. was born on February 24, 1932 in Olanta, South Carolina, and was the son of the late Herman Allen Wilkes and the late Florence Windham Wilkes. He was a graduate of Sumter High School and later joined the United States Air Force, serving from 1950 to 1954 during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant.
He retired from Life of Georgia after 37 years as a top insurance agent in Sumter, South Carolina.
After retirement, he enjoyed being the captain of his 75’X16’ houseboat and living aboard for fifteen years with his wife and two daughters, traveling around the Southern and some Midwestern states. In his later years, he enjoyed traveling the country for fifteen years in his fifth wheel with his wife.
J.D.’s faith in God and his love and devotion to his family sustained him. He will be remembered for his passion of traveling, fishing and storytelling.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Wanda Wilkes; his two daughters, Crystle (Tyler) Cooper of Fort Payne, Alabama, and Kristina Wilkes (Zach) Taylor of Auburn, Alabama; his three grandchildren, Evy Cooper, Jack Cooper, and Elliot Taylor; his sister-in-law, Amy (Jeff) Hansen; four nephews, Britton (Erin) Hansen, Brandon (Lauren) Hansen, and Bradley (Erica)Hansen, Daren(Crystal) Holliday; One niece Sommer( Blake) Drown and nine great-nieces and great-nephews, Nora Hansen, Jack Hansen, McClain Hansen, Scottie Hansen, Cole Hansen, Lottie Hansen, Ford Hansen, Madelyn Holliday and Bryson Holliday all of Sumter, South Carolina; two aunts from marriage Eleanor Haley Selph from Mrytle Beach, SC and Brenda Haley Flora from Greensboro NC.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman Allen Wilkes and Florence Windham Wilkes.
The family would like to thank his devoted nurses and doctors at EAMC.
His celebration of life service will be arranged for a later date.
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