James Earl Wilkins, Jr. was born, on January 31, 1966, to the late James Earl Wilkins, Sr. and the late Alberta Rena Fullenwinder Wilkins in Spartanburg, SC. He matriculated through the Spartanburg County Schools and was a 1986 graduate of Chapman High School. James retired from Mack Molding as a material handler after thirty-three years of service. He was an extremely hard worker and always gave one hundred percent.

He took pride in providing for his family and had a heart of gold. James had an endearing love for his grandchildren and treated his nieces and nephews as though they were his own children. James loved to bowl, drive, detail cars, and hunt rabbits and squirrels. He also enjoyed watching First 48, football, basketball, fishing and wildlife television shows. His favorite teams included Carolina Panthers, LA Lakers, San Francisco 49'ers, and Florida State. James was a jokester at heart and would often play pranks on his loved ones and friends.

James was a proud member of Smith Chapel Baptist Church, and his favorite color was blue. He loved to cook and was fond of sweet potato pies.

He was preceded in death, along with his parents, by his loving wife Paulette Hall Wilkins.

Left to cherish his fond and loving memories are son, James Quinten Tremaine Wilkins of Spartanburg, SC; daughter, Katreese Monique Wilkins of Inman, SC; sisters, Louise (Wallace) Wilkins of Wellford, SC and Roberta (Randy) Nesbitt of Boiling Springs, SC; uncle, Sammy (Aileen) Fullenwinder; aunt, Edna Fullenwinder; grandchildren, Talia D. Wilkins, Khamoni M. Wilkins, and Karlie S. Wilkins; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

On the evening of Sunday, June 23, 2024, James transitioned peacefully at the Spartanburg Medical Center. His comedic and loving soul will be missed and cherished by his family and friends.