James W or Red Wilkins, 71, of Twin Falls died Monday, Nov. 13, 2000, at his home in Twin Falls. Jim was born on Dec. 1, 1928, the son of Henry J. and Estella May McMillan Wilkins at Roscoe, in St. Clair County, Mo. His family moved to the Twin Falls area in 1942. Jim grew up on farms in Southern Idaho and graduated from grade school in Filer, Idaho. He served in the U.S. Army for three years and was stationed in Japan and was Honorably Discharged in 1949. He lived in the San Fernando Valley in California for several years where he worked in construction and had his own landscaping business. He later moved to Tuscarora and Carlin, Nev., where he worked for various construction companies and as an Engineer for the gold-mining operations. He enjoyed helping the local ranchers with their spring and fall cattle work. Jim liked to hunt and fish and did fall guiding for deer hunting. Jim married Betty Lou Ellison on Sept. 17, 1950, in Buhl, Idaho. Jim and his wife Betty moved and operated a repair shop in Bliss until his retirement. Jim was a Master Mason in the Hollister Masonic Lodge #71 and served in all the officer positions in the lodge. His life long dream was to be a Mason. Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Betty of Twin Falls; two children, James "Jimmy" Cindy Wilkins of Otter, Mont., and Kayla Zimmerman of McDermott, Nev.; three brothers and four sisters, Mary Elmer Eslinger, Pearl Nelsen, Katherine O'Donnell, Charles Ladonna Wilkins, Curtis Helen Wilkins, Wilma Everett Norris, and Kermit Wilkins. Also surviving are six grandchildren, one great grandchild, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2000, at Reynolds Funeral Chapel in Twin Falls. Burial will follow at Twin Falls Cemetery. Masonic Rites by the Twin Falls Masonic Lodge 45 AF & AM. Military rites by the Area Veterans and Auxiliary. Friends may call on Wednesday from 3-8 p.m. at Reynolds Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials be given to the Friends of Hospice. Contributions may be given to funeral chapel staff or mailed to Reynolds Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 1142, Twin Falls, Idaho 83303.

Times-News, The (Twin Falls, ID) - Wednesday, November 15, 2000