James Worth Wilkins age 88 of Raton passed away peacefully at the family home in Raton Monday October 9, 2017. He was born November 28, 1928 in Grenville, NM, the son of Loyd J. Wilkins Sr. and Grace Taylor-Wilkins. He graduated from Raton High School in 1948, married Mollie Owen July 18, 1953. Worth worked at Wilkins Lumber Company and as manager of the Sands Motel both businesses begun by his father. He was owner and operator of the Sands Turquois Shop and Jimmy Mini Storage. He served the community as a member of the Raton Lions Club for 63 years, helping many years with the City of Bethlehem display. He was also a longtime member of the Gate City Lodge No. 11, AF & AM and Queen Esther Chapter No. 1 Order of the Eastern Star. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a hard worker, dedicated to customer service, who enjoyed visiting with everyone he met through the lumber yard and motel. He was always ready with a smile and a handshake for everyone. He loved traveling with his wife and family, meeting new people and seeing new places. Ane he always loved playing with his children and grandchildren. His infectious laughter filled our lives with joy everyday.
Worth was preceded in death by parents, brother, Loyd Wilkins Jr., sister Peggy Baird and great aunt, Gertrude Spencer. He is survived by his wife, Mollie Wilkins of the family home in Raton, sons, Steve Wilkins and wife Cheryl of Tucson, AZ and Kent Wilkins and partner Marcella of Raton, NM. Daughter, Tina Warder and husband Julian of Raton, NM, grandchildren Shelly Wilkins and husband Jaime Barwell of Tucson, AZ and Sarah and Will Warder of Raton, NM. Great grandchildren Brady and Rowan Barwell of Tucson, AZ, Brother, F.D. Wilkins and wife Beth of Boulder, CO,sister-in-laws, Jan Wilkins of Raton, NM and Naomi Owen of Ocala, FL. And numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial services will be Saturday October 14, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Jon Kuncel officiating, Inurnment will follow at the Fairmont Cemetery in Raton. A luncheon will follow at the First United Methodist Church hosted by United Methodist Women.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Raton Lions Club City of Bethlehem.
Arrangements and celebration of love for James Worth Wilkins are under the direction of the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home of Raton
He was a great friend of my Dad (William Wallace) always spoke well of him. William passed away September 19, 2017 sorry for your lost. John H Wallace II
Sorry to hear of Worth’s passing.
Crews and Pat Bell