SIKESTON — James Alvin Wilkening, of Sikeston, passed from this vale of tears on May 21, 2019, to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, having lived 84 years of joy.

He was born Oct. 27, 1934, to William A. Wilkening and Alice R. Schneider on the family farm near Canalou, where he lived until retiring to Sikeston in 2003. He graduated Canalou High School in 1953 and enjoyed the annual school reunion. He began farming at age 18 by methodically grading a plot of land on his father's farm in order to utilize flood irrigation. On the farm he filled the often required positions of meteorologist, mechanic, laborer, carpenter, electrician, botanist, futures trader, but enjoyed the roles of Christian, Husband, and Father the most. He was known for his long work days, even temper, gift for gab, and Pepsi and Ding-Dong work breaks. In 2016 he celebrated the Wilkening Farm being named a Missouri Century Farm. He was a lifelong member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Sikeston, serving on the Board of Directors, as Elder, and various committees.

On Nov. 19, 1955, he married Martha Stephens also of Canalou, who survives of the home. Jim and Martha welcomed two daughters, Renda Jean Wilkening, in 1957 and Lisa Joy Wilkening in 1963. They enjoyed road trips, traveling and seeing the United States often with their camping trailer and longtime friends in tow.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Martha Wilkening (nee Stephens); two daughters, Renda Baird and son-in-law Reagan of New Madrid and Lisa Larimore and son-in law Tim of Higginsville; one brother, Billie Wilkening of Littleton, Colo.; seven grandchildren, Levi (Jenna) Polk, Jacob  (KiDahn) Larimore, Zachary (Jen) Larimore, Lauren Polk, Rachel Larimore, Boo Larimore, Samuel Larimore; and two great-grandchildren, Jane and Clay Polk; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends adopted as family.

The family will receive visitors at Blanchard Funeral Chapel, 403 N. Kingshighway, Sikeston, on Thursday, May 23, 2019, from 5-7 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at Concordia Lutheran Church, 836 Park Ave., Sikeston, on Friday, May 24, 2019, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Alan Wollenburg, Pastor, officiating. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Pallbearers include: Jiggs Moore, John Bixler, Randy Ackman, Brandon Tinnen, Eric Mueller and Casey Smillie.

Honorary Pallbearers include: Chester Kordal, Jim Bishop, Bud Werner, Dwayne Lorenz, Armand Porter and Levi Polk.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at blanchardfuneral.com .