Bohners Lake - James J. Wilks, 77, passed away on October 14, 2015 at his home in the loving presence of his family. He was born March 29, 1938 to James and Ellen (nee Pennanen) Wilks in Ahmeek, Michigan. James was a proud Navy Veteran and received the Good Conduct Medal for his service from 1956-1959. James married Sharon Lee James on September 26, 1959 and together they raised three children. They lived in Milwaukee until they moved to Burlington for James to work at American Motors. He worked for the Nestle Corporation when it opened and he retired from after 37½ years in 2001. He continued to attend the retiree breakfast once a month to meet with his favorite "geezers!" James remained a member of the American Legion Post 462 in Michigan. His spare time was spent hunting grouse, bow hunting, and rooting for the Packers.

James is survived by his wife, Sharon; his children, Lynn Marie (Richard) Briscki, Teresa Lee (James) Layton; and James Raymond Wilks; his grandchildren, Maxwell, Samantha, Alexa, Alyssa, and James; his great-granddaughter, Annabel; his siblings, Jerry (Barb) MI., Mary Ellen (Alfred) Baril, of MI, Dorothy "Dottie" Abe of MI Charlene of SD, Jack of MI., Joe of SD, and many nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, William (Boiga), Patricia, Judy, Douglas, and Darlene (as a child); and his in-laws.

Burial and full military honors will be at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove on Tuesday, October 20 at 1 pm.