Mr. Jim Wilkins, 76, of Shelby, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2010 at Hospice of Kings Mountain after a brief illness. He was born on September 27, 1933 in Hickory, NC and was the son of the late John Sartin and Lucille Gambill Wilkins. Jim graduated from Christ School in Arden, NC. Following graduation, he enrolled at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC. Following his third year, he was called into active military service in the US Army. He served with the 82nd Airborne in Fort Benning, GA. Upon completion of service, Jim returned to the university and completed his education. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1958.

Jim's professional career started in sales with General Mills Corporation in Charlotte, NC and Roanoke, VA. He and his family later returned to Charlotte where he was a principal and served as the CEO of Family Foods Corporation. Following the sale of this concern to National Baking, he joined a Shelby, NC based family business, Royster Oil Co. Jim primarily managed the Gaston and Lincoln County operations.

He spent most of his youth in the North Carolina towns of Shelby and West Jefferson. He was very close to and nurtured by his extended family who primarily lived in the mountains. This resulted in a life long love and an appreciation of NC's wonderful mountains. He passed along this love of the outdoors as a gift to his sons and grandchildren. Jim and his family are active members and supporters of the Shelby First Baptist Church. He was also a long-term member of the Shelby Kiwanis Club and served a term as its President. Additionally, he was an Assistant Scout Master and supporter for Shelby's Troop 104. Jim volunteered as a Legal Mediator for the area District Court system for many years.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mary "Mimi" Royster Wilkins, their four sons and wives; Douglas and Julie Wilkins of Hickory, NC; Bill and Sheryl Wilkins of Redmond, WA; Steve and Jody Wilkins of Shelby, NC; Frank Wilkins of Redondo Beach, CA and six grandchildren; John, Jennifer, Mattison, Macy, Caroline, and Alex.

His family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:30 PM on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will be at the home, 307 Windsor Drive, during other periods. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 10:30 AM in the Webb Chapel of Shelby's First Baptist Church with the Rev. Tony Tench officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Cemetery.

Jim and his family want to express their sincere thanks to the wonderful staff of Hospice of Kings Mountain. The love and care they provided show that they are true angels. 470, James Sartin "Jim" Wilkins