Donna and Family We are saddenend to hear of your loss. Jim always lightened up a room when he came in. He was quick with a joke or story and high spirited. Just before we heard of his passing I was speaking of Jim after playing hockey. I spoke of his baseball career. My friends were very interested about Jim. This shows you how he touched people that did not know him. I would have liked to be at the memorial game. It must have been impressive for such a wonderful man. We ALL have lost a wonderful friend. His memory lives on in many people. Ed,Patti,and Brodee

Donna & Family, We had a million laughs very few frowns and a good time. All the older umpires from the 60's 70's & 80's wish you all the very best at a sad time. Gary Millman (supervisor of umpires)

My sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Wilkes. Although we never met, I greatly enjoyed the telephone conversation we had in regard to a story I was writing at the time. He was most gracious and helpful. Mark Fleisher Elmira, New York

On behalf of the entire staff at the Black Athlete Sports Network (BASN), I send our prayers and condolences on the passing of Mr. Wilkes. I never met him personally, but because of our long association with many former Negro League players, I feel like I've lost a friend. His memory will live on in all of oour hearts

Jimmy was a great man with a wonderful sense of what 'life' meant and made others always feel welcome. Bob worked with Jimmy at the Works Dept and considered him a true friend. Our middle son played Softball, Jim signed a ball for Liam and shared a tip or two on the game. I know our son will never forget that precious moment. His spirit will live on in those who knew him and we will cherish our memories always. He's in heaven playing ball with the rest of the past greats. Rest in peace our friend. Bob and Janet

Dear Donna, We send our deepest sympathy to your and your family.If there is any thing we can do for you we will be there. Jim was like family to us and we will never forget the things he did for us or time spent with him. Sincerely love Hazel John Joan and family

Donna & family, We are so saddened to hear of Jim's passing. We so enjoyed meeting him, and only wish we could have spent more time with him over the years. He was a great guy, and we always appreciated how happy he made Donna. We will offer up a toast to his memory with the bottle of Scotch that we still have at home from his last visit - we still call it Jim's scotch!

I was very saddened to read about Jimmy's passing. I have known Jimmy for about 30 years although I did not see him very often. Every time I saw him though he always had that big, friendly smile. I first met Jimmy when he was cleaning the street my girlfriend lived on. I was about to leave to go to work and so I was kissing my girlfriend. Jimmy saw it and jokingly called out to me and called me "Lover Boy". Ever since that time over the years, every time Jimmy saw me it was "Hey Lover boy". It was always worth a good laugh between the two of us. I saw him quite often when I managed a Sooter Studios on Stanley St. His wife, Donna was working next door at Little Caesar's Pizza. Jimmy would always stick his head in and say hi when he dropped Donna off at work or picked her up. He was an amazing man and every one that came in contact with him is better for it. Sincerely, Brian Elliott

Donna and Family, Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of my dear friend Jimmy Wilkes. Since the first time I met him, which would be during my playing days in 1970, I always enjoyed him, whether it was umpiring or just chatting at the ol' ball park. I will always remember his love for baseball and all his many stories will remain with me forever. I know the last few years have been difficult for both you and Jimmy, but I, personally, will always cherish last year's two weekends in July, at Arnold Anderson Stadium with the man they call "Seabiscuit". A true friend to me, he will be sadly missed. Sincerely, Alf Payne, Brantford Red Sox.

First my condolences to all the family,friends, particularly former Red Sox, of one of my truly favorite persons of all time, JIMMY WILKES.Meeting Jimmy and having been taken under his wing back in the early 60s was a real stepping stone into adult life and what it means.Baseball with the Sox was one thing but my close and caring relationship with Jimmy and all of the other Red Sox was a period that helped form my life as it was to be. God bless you all and Jimmy, you will always be the greatest centerfielder in HEAVEN.

Dear Donna & Family: Our thoughts are with you at this time, may you find comfort in all the happy memories made with a great man like Jim. All our love Cousins - John, Marilyn, Susan, & Jaclyn Howse.