James D. Wilkinson, 78, of Portsmouth, R.I., passed away on Jan. 17, 2021 at Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence from complications due to COVID-19.

James was born April 20, 1942, in Newport, R.I. to the late Henry and Ruth Wilkinson.

James was married to the love of his life, Barbara (Canard) Wilkinson, for 58 years.

Jim was a member of the Portsmouth Senior Center for many years. Jim and Barbara loved going to all their grandchildren's concerts, baseball games, horse shows, and other extracurricular activities. Jim loved tending to his beautiful flower beds and working with his hands doing projects around the house and yard. Jim worked for Newport Creamery for over 30 years in the production plant on West Main Road in Middletown, before retiring. In retirement, Jim worked seasonally for Chase Farms where he continued to enjoy his passion for gardening and flowers.

James is survived by his wife, Barbara, and their children, James D. Wilkinson Jr. and his wife Mary Jane of Portsmouth, and Lisa Camara and her husband, Joel, also of Portsmouth. He is also survived by his siblings, Jack Wilkinson of Michigan, Peggy Whittenhagen of Michigan, and Richard Wilkinson of Newport; and his grandchildren, Matthew and Benjamin Wilkinson, and Andrew, Eric, and Samantha Camara.

Due to restrictions in place because of COVID-19, his funeral Mass will be private at St. Anthony's Church in Portsmouth, on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021.

Burial, which is also private, will follow in Trinity Cemetery in Portsmouth, R.I.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Additional information at www.memorialfuneralhome.com.