James A. Wilkes

JAMES ARTHUR WILKES, son of the late Milford David and Ida Wilkes, transitioned on Wednesday, December 5, 2017 at the Perry Point VA Medical Center in Perry Point, Maryland. A native of Greenville, North Carolina James married Linda L. Stancil of Baltimore, Maryland in July 1986. After graduating C.M. Epps High School in Greenville, James entered the United States Army. He served in Vietnam and received several medals of honor for acts of heroism and meritorious service including two (2) Army Commendation Medals and the Bronze Star Medal. James left Vietnam to find his family relocated to Baltimore, Maryland where he was destined to follow. James attended Morgan State University and later launched another meritorious career with the Maryland Dept. of Transportation, Mass Transit Administration (MDOT-MTA). Before retiring from the Mass Transit Administration, as a light-rail engineer in 2003, James again demonstrated his commitment to serving. He earned awards for meritorious performance including the Citizen Citation, City of Baltimore; the Maryland Governor’s Citation; the Mass Transit Administration Services Award, and a “four-time” recipient of the Mass Transit Administration Safe Driving Award. Steeped in a firm religious philosophy James experienced several denominations. He found joy and fulfillment in spending time in fellowship at the Mt. Pleasant Church & Ministries. Health challenges began to prohibit James from traveling the distance to Mt. Pleasant. His Love for the Lord led James to seek a church closer to his home. He found a warm and welcoming spirit at the Church at Riverside in Belcamp, Maryland where he became a member. Witty and honest best describe James Arthur Wilkes. One never gets bored because he somehow manages to find humor in most anything. To know him is to know a person who is clear about his intentions and expectations. No doubt a few of these attributes are grounded in his military training and long career as a MTA bus driver/light rail engineer. James leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Linda L. Stancil-Wilkes; one sister, Willie Mae Matthews; one daughter, Candice D. Wilkes; one granddaughter, Dacia Harris; one brother-in-law, Ronald L. Stancil, all of Baltimore, Maryland, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.

Tributes

James A. Wilkes

October 2, 1947 - December 5, 2017