Obituary of James E. Wilkesmore

James E. Wilkesmore, 94, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, April 5th, 2023, under the care of Hospice, at Elderwood of Lockport. Born on February 27th, 1929, in Syracuse NY, James was the son of the late Frederick and Herta (Gratz) Wilkesmore. He attended Youngstown High School. On April 7th, 1956, James married his wife, Joan. They enjoyed 66 beautiful years together, before she predeceased him on May 13th, 2022. James is survived by his two sons, Timothy (Lynn) Wilkesmore and Daniel (Denise) Wilkesmore; grandchildren Shannon (Curt) Crews, Heather (Peter) Schreiber, Taylor (Nicholas) Bruno, Alycia Aldrich, and Zachary Wilkesmore; and great-grandchildren Liam and Madison. Also surviving are sisters and brothers in law, Marlene Taylor, Judy Taylor, Karen (Duane) Ferchen, and Nora (John) Sprengart, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. James was employed with Bell Aerospace for 40 years as an Electronics Technician. During his final few years of employment he worked on the USS George Washington and the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carriers, as well as the USS Tennessee submarine. He also served in the United States Army Signal Corp from 1950-1952, where he was stationed in Germany. James was a life member of the VFW Post 313 in Youngstown, as well as a lifetime member of the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Company where he held numerous positions including EMS Captain and President. James was a life long member of St. John Lutheran Church, where he sang in the choir, taught bible study, and served as President. He was also a member of the Youngstown Village Board of Trustees from 1987-2004. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Joan, including two trips to Germany and also enjoyed fifteen winters in Bradenton, Florida where he and Joan spent time with many friends and family. In addition to his parents and his wife, James was predeceased by his brothers, Frederick Jr, Kenneth (Leah), and Alfred (Jackie). Friends may call at Hardison Funeral Home, 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville, New York, on Friday, April 14th from 3-7pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 15th at 11am at St. John Lutheran Church, 420 Lockport Street, Youngstown, New York. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church or the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Company Ambulance Fund, PO Box 387 Youngstown, New York 14174.