James Russell Wilkerson

James Russell Wilkerson (also known as Jim or Papoo) died at his home in Fair Grove, Missouri on the morning of September 9, 2017. Jim was born to Buell and Iris (Henderson) Wilkerson on March 15, 1948 in Urbana, MO. Unto his first marriage, four children were born: Dawn, Dean, Julie and Lyle. For many years Jim owned and operated a hardware store, Laundromat and car wash in Urbana. Later, he changed professions and became a carpenter. Working with wood was a good fit for Jim and he continued as long as his health allowed. On December 12, 1986, Jim married Cathey Edwards of Springfield, Missouri. At that time, and until he retired, Jim owned and operated a dump truck. It was also at this time, Jim became “Papoo”. Papoo had many hobbies. He enjoyed raising cattle, gardening, hunting, fishing, cooking and collecting antiques; but, his favorite hobby was spending time with and talking about his grandchildren. He loved each of them with his whole heart. For one week during each summer he and Cathey would conduct Grandparent’s Week. The kids were invited for food, fun and play; but the grandkids fondly referred to this week as Papoo’s Work Camp. Jim is survived by his wife Cathey of Fair Grove; son, Dean and wife, Beth (Edwards) of Buffalo; daughter Julie Crispin and husband, Micah of New Ulm, Minnesota; son Lyle and wife, Diana (Young) of Mountain Home, Arkansas; step-son John Edwards of Springfield, Missouri; grandchildren Mallory Edwards, Zak, Jake, and Devin Wilkerson, Trey Wilkerson and Gabe Crispin; a sister, Susie Taylor of Independence, Missouri, sister-in-law Ruth Wilkerson of Urbana, and sister-in-law Shirey VanHook of Springfield. Jim also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Buell and Iris, his daughter Dawn, a brother Robert, a sister Linda, and a brother- in-law Edward Taylor. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday morning, September 13 at 10:00 at Cantlon Otterness Funeral Home with Heath Anderjaska and Jerry Glor officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 from 6:00-7:30 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Hopewell Cemetery, in Tunas, Missouri, under the direction of the Cantlon Otterness Funeral Home of Buffalo.

James Russell Wilkerson

March 15, 1948 - September 9, 2017