James N. Wilkinson, 89, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, at the Lutheran Home.

He was born June 6, 1925, in Zalma, Missouri, the eldest son of Clyde and Stella Stephens Wilkinson.

Mr. Wilkinson was drafted into the U.S. Navy in August 1943, serving until March 1946. He re-entered the Navy in 1951 and retired in 1971 having earned the rank of senior chief gunners mate.

He is survived by one brother, Clyde G. (Maxine) Wilkinson of Hill City, South Dakota; four sisters, Ruth Mitchell of St. Louis, Jean (Cal) Hoehn of Jacksonville, Florida, Mona Thiele and Anita Borchelt, both of Egypt Mills; a sister-in-law, JoAnn Wilkinson of Godfrey, Illinois; a brother-in-law, Charles Huber of San Leandro, California; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, five sisters, a niece, nephew and two great-nephews.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

Graveside service will be at noon Tuesday at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, with the Rev. Mark Rogers officiating. Full military honors will be provided by the Missouri Honors Team and Navy personnel.

Memorial contributions may be given to veterans homes, the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery or charity of choice.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.