Jim was born Feb. 12, 1936, in Colby, Kan., to Jess and Onner (Ramsey) Pilkington. He was raised in Colby and Scottsbluff, Neb., before his family moved to Meeker, Colo.
Jim finished high school in Meeker and also was graduated from Colorado State University. After serving honorably in the U.S. Marine Corp., he married Janet Fennon in 1959 in Meeker.
Jim was a life-long historian and teacher, particularly enjoying military history. After retiring from a 26-year career with IBM, Jim’s passion for military history led him to become a tour director, taking groups to military historical sites in the Pacific.
Jim was an active member of the local veterans’ group that meets regularly in the Longmont area. He also performed volunteer work at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, was involved with Western history and supported the Longmont Museum.
Jim is survived by: his son, Mike Pilkington and his wife, Cecelia, of Englewood, Colo.; his daughter, Libby Pilkington of Aurora, Colo.; a brother, Tom Pilkington and family of Ammon, Idaho; two sisters, Joyce Brown of Mesa, Ariz., and Eva Seely and family of Meeker, Colo.; and many nieces and nephews. He will also be fondly remembered by his many friends and relatives here and in Ireland.
Jim was preceded in death by: his wife, Janet; his parents; and brothers John, Bob, Jess and Jerald Pilkington; as well as a sister, Joanne Cotton.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2016, at, the Howe Mortuary Chapel with a reception to follow in the Howe Mortuary Event Room.
Please visit www.howemortuary.com to share memories and condolences with the family.
