JAMES “JIM” RICHARD WILKINSON
1956-2017
James “Jim” Richard Wilkinson, devoted husband and father, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2017. A native Houstonian, born August 3, 1956, Jim graduated from Texas A&M University in 1978 with a BBA in Accounting.
Jim was an established financial executive, a successful entrepreneur and investor, as well as consultant to entrepreneurial companies. As a CPA, Jim identified a gap in the marketplace and launched The Strategic CFO in 1999, serving as President and Founder. In 2010, Jim developed a coaching program to mentor financial leaders in “the art of being a CFO.”
In addition to his work, Jim was an adjunct professor at the Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Houston, where his goal was to integrate realworld experience with the traditional classroom. He was passionate and instrumental in growing the mentorship program. All who worked with Jim will testify to his integrity, honesty, wisdom, generosity, and tremendous work ethic.
More exceptional than anything is Jim’s love for family. He adored his wife of 34 years, Karen, and always said his daughters, Stephanie and Kristin, were his “two greatest accomplishments.”
Jim is remembered for his warmth and hospitality, quick wit, and genuine love of people. He was creative, passionate, and particularly driven to help others find their “unique ability.” Jim had a zest for life. Through his infectious laughter, Jim lit up the room, often laughing at his own jokes. He loved fishing, teasing people, and coming up with thoughtprovoking questions at the dinner table. He was the consummate host and had a gift for making people feel welcome and feel like family.
Jim is preceded in death by his father, John Slifer Wilkinson. He is survived by his mother, Virginia Golding Wilkinson; wife, Karen Connell Wilkinson; their two daughters, Stephanie Berzette Wilkinson and Kristin Case Wilkinson Wescott; son-inlaw, Benjamin Brook Wescott; brothers, Robert “Bob” Gordon Wilkinson and John “Jack” Charles Wilkinson; and his squirrel-hunter, Finn, as well as extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2017, at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas, 77027 with a reception to follow. Please wear blue attire or a color of your choice.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be directed to establish a scholarship for students in the Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship. Checks should be made to the University of Houston with a memo description, “WCE Jim Wilkinson Memorial Fund.” Donations can be mailed to: Office of Advancement, C.T. Bauer College of Business.