James K. “Jim” Wilkinson
February 28, 1942 – August 24, 2024
James “Jim” Wilkinson, 82, of Omaha, NE, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
Jim was born on February 28, 1942, in Lashburn, Saskatchewan, Canada to Jessie and William “Ken” Wilkinson, the second of three brothers.
Jim grew up around Paddockwood, Saskatchewan. After graduating high school and working the assembly line of a Saskatoon tractor plant, Jim emigrated in 1961 to the United States to join the U.S. Army, where he served honorably for four years as a member of the Military Police, stationed primarily in France.
After his military service, Jim settled in Independence, MO, where, in 1965, he became an American citizen and married Dorothy Draveling. In Independence, they welcomed three children. Jim served with distinction in the Independence Police Department, while rising to the rank of Captain, and receiving his Masters degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. In 1978, his young family resettled in Marshalltown, Iowa, where he became Chief of Police.
Known for his kindness, integrity and effectiveness as Chief, Jim was a respected pillar of the Marshalltown community, active in the Lion’s Club and the local Community of Christ congregation, where he served for many years as Presiding Elder. In 1990, nearly a year after Dorothy succumbed to cancer, Jim married Patricia “Pat” Socha, becoming stepfather to her four grown children. In 1994, Jim and Pat moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he served as Chief of Police until his retirement from the force in 2000. Jim enjoyed an active retirement with Pat in Omaha teaching Criminal Justice courses at Metropolitan Community College and delighting in their grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his children: Jennifer (Glen) Klocke of Waterloo, IA, Suzanne (Ben) Pierce of Warrensburg, MO, and Will (Kerry) Wilkinson of Los Angeles, CA; stepchildren: Lori (Jerome) Howard of Omaha, NE, Cathy (Bill) Meier of Sioux Falls, SD, Tim Socha of Pea Ridge, AR, and Scott (Heather) Socha of St. Louis, MO; 18 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Joseph Wilkinson, of Chicago, IL.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Wilkinson; second wife, Pat Wilkinson; parents, Ken and Jessie Wilkinson; and his elder brother, Herb.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: Friday, September 13, 2024, 10:30 AM, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Rd., Omaha.
INTERMENT: to follow at 2:30 PM, Omaha National Cemetery, 14250 Schram Rd., Omaha, 68138
11 Comments
Love you grandpa, you were one of the last of a dying breed. A true man and the best grandfather I could have asked for…
So very sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. He was the Police Chief in Marshalltown, when I started by first job as Human Resources Director at the City. He was kind, supportive, and a true friend. He will be missed. RIP Jim.
Our sincere condolences to Jennifer, Suzanne, Will, your families and all Pat’s family and the Draveling’s from all Jim’s Canadian cousins Tom, Blake, Keith, Bryan, Suzanne, Caryl, Karen, Sally, Joyce, Marie, Tammy and our families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!!
My Condolences
My condolences to the family. He was a good Chief to work for.at Co Bluffs Police Dept
Chief Wilkinson was a wonderful addition to the Council Bluffs PD. He was the epitome of integrity. He impacted my life both professionally and personally. As Pat once told me, ‘Jim could tell you to go to hell and by the time he was done, you would ask him for directions.’ It was a privilege to work with and know him. God bless you, Chief.
On behalf of the Marshalltown PD, we send prayers and heartfelt condolences. Chief Wilkinson served our community honorably for many years. His legacy has endured. We are thinking about Chief’s family and friends during this difficult time.
I just learned of Chief Wilkinson’s passing. I went to work for the Chief in 1980 at the Marshalltown Police Department. I was a young kid from Minnesota who had worked for a few years, in some small Minnesota towns prior to joining MPD. Since 2018, I’ve been honored to serve as the Presidentially appointed U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Iowa. The structured leadership, compassion and fairness that Chief Wilkinson showed me as that young officer have all contributed greatly to the successes I’ve experienced in my life. May God Bless his soul and his family.
You were a wonderful person and police officer for Marshalltown. I worked with Pat in the dental office here in Marshalltown. RIP dear Jim
Cindy and I wish to extend to the extended Wilkinson family our deepest condolences. I was honored to have been hired by Chief Wilkinson back in 1984. He was a consummate professional as well as a caring and tireless leader of our department.
Rest in Peace Chief Wilkinson and thank you for your many years of dedication and service. 🇺🇸💙🖤🫡
Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing I am a first cousin
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