James M. (Jim) Wilkes, Senior, 97, of Florissant, Missouri, departed this life on April 9, 2021. Jim was born on September 11, 1923, to the late Ethal A. Wilkes and the late James W. Wilks, in Greenwood, MS. Jim graduated from high school in East St. Louis and was a proud member of the United States Marine Corps, joining after high school, serving during both the World War II and Korean War eras. He is a member of the Montfort Point Marines, completing his boot camp at Camp Montfort Point, Jacksonville, North Carolina. In 2013, Jim received the Congressional Gold Medal, our nation’s highest civilian honor, from then President Barack Obama for his service as one of the first African-American Marines in one of its first integrated units. Following his return from Korea, he attended St. Louis University, graduating with his degree in Accounting and raising his family in St. Louis.
His dedication to public service continued throughout his life as he retired from the United States Postal Service in 1968 and served 3 St. Louis mayors, (Servantes, Bosely and Harmon) as a member of the City of St. Louis’ business taxation committee for over 15 years, well into his 80’s. Among Jim’s other business ventures were C S C Corporation of which he was the President as well as ownership of Candlelight Inn Restaurant, a fine dining establishment, and Gracie Lee Sales. Jim was a member of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, where he served as an usher for many years, including during Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1999.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Delores Minzes Wilkes; son, James M. (Bo) Wilkes (Nigayl), Junior; stepchildren, Debra (the late Gerald) Brennan; Karen (Danny) Wiesemann; the late John (Karen) Minzes, Sherry (Heinz) Albisser; and Mark (Laura) Minzes; 6 grandchildren; 16 step-grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two daughters: Antoinette (Toni) Willis and Mingtoi Haun. Visitation only services will begin promptly at 11:00am on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at Austin Layne Historic Chapel, 7239 W. Florissant Avenue, Florissant, Missouri. Military Honors and Interment will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan, St. Louis, Missouri.
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