Wilkinson, James O.  N8ACL

James O. Wilkinson, N8ACL, age 69 of Fremont, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 18, 2008 at his home.  Jim was born on June 22, 1938 in Fremont to Charles and Evelyn (Arendsen) Wilkinson and has been a lifelong resident of the area.  Jim married Nancy Baird on December 8, 1973 in Fremont and was a member of the Fremont Christian Church, Disciples of Christ.  Jim was active in amateur radio, taught classes and gave exams for several years and was known to many as N8ACL.  Jim was active in the Boy Scouts of America where he was a Wood Badge Staff member in Woodpecker, Buffalo and Eagle Patrol.  He had served as Elder, Deacon and Chairman of the church Council at various times as well.  Jim had worked at the Hi-Lites Graphics Company in Fremont for many years until his retirement in January 2006.  Jim served in the United States Air Force.

Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy; his daughters, Victoria Sadie Evelyn Wilkinson (Gerry Michael Chandler) of Fremont; Regina Michelle (Ed) Halley of Manchester, Connecticut; his granddaughter, Jaime Danielle Wilkinson Halley; his brother, Winston (Carolyn White) Wilkinson; his brother-in-law, Lynn (Pat) Frede of Grand Rapids; his uncle, Wyon Arendsen of Hesperia; his best bud, Spook.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Frede.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, February 22, 2008 at 2pm at the First Baptist Church in Fremont with interment in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Fremont.  In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to consider memorial contributions to the family to assist with a cemetery monument.  Friends may also send a condolence or share a memory with the Wilkinson Family online at www.crandellfh.com.  Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel.

Click here to send a condolence for the James O. Wilkinson Family on-line

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I have many fond memories of working with Jim at the Hi-Lites. He 
always had a smile and was quick to say good morning! The first time 
he went around at work saying he had kisses for all the girls on 
Valentine's Day we were a little concerned -- but then he busted out 
with a big smile and laugh and held out his container of chocolate 
"kisses". He enjoyed pulling that prank on all the "new girls!" He 
always like to grow and eat fresh tomatoes (even at work!) - I can 
remember before he moved to the country he would always buy tomatoes 
from my mom who always grew enough for the whole county! We enjoyed 
working with him and all the other "helpers" when it was apple 
pressing time in the fall - he sure looked forward to that! Him and 
his dog riding together in the truck were well recognized around 
Newaygo County. We will all miss him but feel glad for the chance to 
have gotten to know him. May God bless you and your family during 
this difficult time. Mary Ellen & Duwayne McLean

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