James L Wilks

Funeral services for James L. Wilks, of Hebert will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, January 20, 2024, from the Columbia chapel of Riser and Son Funeral Home with Bro. Doyle Adams officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in the Bethany Cemetery at Hebert. Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until time of service at 2:00 PM.

James Lemar Wilks was one of twins born to his parents, Joseph Edward Wilks and Eva Elizabeth Fox Wilks on December 14, 1926, in Winnfield, Louisiana.

James left this life January 15, 2024, at the age of 97 years old after a brief illness. James was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Georgia Colleen Maxwell Wilks; his oldest son, Kenneth "Kenny" Carl Wilks; and his youngest son, James "Jimmy" Maxwell Wilks. Also, a grandson, Johnathan James Wilks (son of Kenny and Glenda.)

 He was the last of Joseph and Eva’s 10 children to leave this world. These also preceding him in death were his parents and all of his brothers and sisters: Lelia, Jessie, Edward, Vernon, Chester, John, C.B., Bobby Joe, and Jesse T.

James made his career in the United States Navy, entering into service at the age of 18. As a First Class Seaman he was awarded the Victory Ribbon, American Area Ribbon and the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon.

After transferring to the Naval Reserve, as a chef, cook and dietician, he was awarded several more medals including the Good Conduct Medal.  During his service, James and his family traveled to several countries and U.S. bases.

Upon retirement in 1974, James moved his family back to Hebert, Louisiana. He enjoyed raising cows and cooking. James also loved visiting with his brothers and sisters. He and his twin, John could sit and talk for hours. He loved visiting with all of his neighbors and his grandchildren.  He loved his dog and he could be seen riding with her in his truck anytime.

He is survived by his daughter, Jamie Wilks and her children, Kristina Kelone (Heath Kelone), and their children: Aaron David, Emma Jewel and Anna Elizabeth; her son, Chance Flores (Meaghan) and their children: Autumn, Maverick and Jayce.

Kenny’s children: Chris (Brenna) and child, Kaia Catherine and Jessica Wilks and her children: Addyson, Carly and Cole.

Jimmy’s children: Samantha Wilks, Amanda Boyett (Mark Boyett) and Sarah Baxter; grandchildren: Dylan Baxter, Drew Hankins, Abigail Boyett and Sawyer Boyett, and great-granddaughter, Hazel Baxter.

Pallbearers will be Drew Hankins, Mark Boyett, Chance Flores, Judson Strickland, Bobby Perot and Ricky Ratcliff.

Honorary pallbearers are Duane Wilks, Chris Wilks, Billy Jo Poole, Steve Poole, and Jonathan Murphy.