Kathleen J Wilkinson

Kathleen Joan James (Washburn) Wilkinson

DOB: 6/12/1950 - Battle Creek, NE

DOD: 1/02/2023 - Waverly, NE

Kathy passed away in her home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with Colon and Peritoneal Cancer. Funeral services for Kathleen (Kathy) James (Washburn) Wilkinson of Waverly, Nebraska, will be at 1:30 pm on January 15, 2023 at Peace Lutheran Church; 9831 N 145th St, Waverly, NE 68462. Visitation with family will be Saturday, January 14 from 1-230 pm at Peace Lutheran Church. Pastor Neil Wheeler Officiant; Becky Painter special speaker. Private interment in Rosehill Cemetery, Waverly, Nebraska at a later date. Family wanted to give a special thank you to the doctor’s and staff at the Cancer Partners and her nurses from AseraCare Hospice. Kathy’s request is for family and friends to please attend in casual wear in light colors that represent her love of the arts. In lieu of flowers Kathy has requested donations be given to the family for designation at a later date.

Kathy, daughter of Marvin Clay James and Evelyn Reubena (Flesner) James, was born June 12, 1950 in Battle Creek, Nebraska. Kathy was baptized and confirmed in GOD our Father’s Name at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Battle Creek. Kathy attended grade school at St. John’s Lutheran Church and graduated from Battle Creek High School in 1968. After graduation Kathy worked as a bakery assistant and then later a dental assistant. In 1968 she met and married Troy Washburn. Kathy and Troy had 3 daughters, born respectively in Fremont, Alliance, Waverly. Kathy and Troy divorced in 1985. After moving to Waverly in 1975, Kathy made it her permanent home. Kathy married Jim Wilkinson of Waverly in 1995 and together they owned and operated Honey Creek Restaurant until 2022.

In 1979 it was clear that Waverly needed their own rescue squad. Kathy and Mike Danley received their EMT licenses, ran town hall meetings, gathered donations and recruited other citizens to join their cause. Waverly Rescue Squad was started and became based on Kathy and Mike’s dedication to the citizens of Waverly. Kathy and Mike were made Admirals in the Nebraska Navy by the Governor for recognition in starting the Waverly Rescue Squad.

Kathy worked as a gemologist for Ardan’s in Lincoln and at the Waverly Four Star Drug throughout the late 1970’s and all of 1980’s. Kathy later became known for her ability to make beautiful jewelry for Goldwork’s in Lincoln as well as privately commissioned pieces. Kathy had a love for racing and in the mid 80’s Kathy became one of the first women to drive in Enduro Races in SE Nebraska. Kathy drove her own car for 3 years racing from Eagle Race Track Speedway in Lincoln; tracks in Norfolk and Beatrice as well. After Kathy’s heart attack in 2012, she decided to slow down and enjoy life more. It was at this time she took up art again. In Kathy’s earlier days of artistry she was very well known for her charcoal drawings. When she started again, she was creating art in acrylic paints enjoying all the colors. Kathy was commissioned by several surgeons in the Lincoln area for one of a kind paintings, has sold several of her pieces nationally and participated in several art shows. Towards the end of her ability to paint she was known to just give pieces away to family and friends.

Kathy and Jim shared a love of fishing, racing, camping, card club group and several years as volunteers for the Nebraska Red Cross. After Kathy’s retirement, her time was spent encouraging the art of her grandchildren, time with Jim, her daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren and several close friends.

Kathy is survived by her husband of 27 years, Jim Wilkinson; Daughter Wendy (Washburn) and Wade Leming, Granddaughter Chasmine (Matt) Hendrix, Great Grandchildren Kane and Ella Hendrix all of Eagle, NE, Grandson Braxten Leming of Lincoln NE; Daughter Jennifer (Washburn) and James Bartels of Waverly, NE, Granddaughter Hailey (Tyler) Aufenkamp, Great Granddaughter(s) Aubrey, Gracelynn and Madison Aufenkamp of Nebraska City, NE, Granddaughter Hannah (Autumn) Bartels, Great Granddaughter(s) Bella, Ivy, Lilah, Kaia of Sand Springs, OK, Granddaughter Harmony Bartels of Waverly, NE; Daughter JJ Washburn, Grandsons Jacob, Lucas and Jaxon all of Lincoln, NE, Honorary Granddaughters Alexandra and Allison. Sibling Robert (Diana) James of Norfolk. Many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Honorary Pallbearers: Braxten Leming, Jacob Kleinbeck, Lucas Kleinbeck, Jaxon Kleinbeck, Kenney James, Dan Kleinbeck and Brendan “Gigi” Graff.

Kathy is preceeded in death by her parents, Evelyn and Marvin James (Battle Creek, NE), sister and brother in law Beverly and Ron Norris (Lake City, FL); sister and brother in law Sherry and Vern Beckman (Benkleman, NE) and her beloved pet Otis.