James Milligan "Jim" Wilkins, Sr.

Mr. James Milligan “Jim” Wilkins, Sr. age 88 of Helen, passed away on Thursday, December 06, 2007 at his residence following an extended illness. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on June 13, 1919, he was the son of the late Clyde and Amelia Milligan Wilkins. Mr. Wilkins was active in Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity while at Georgia Tech, served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during WWII, moved to Helen, Georgia in 1946 where he later served on the White County Draft board and founded Wilco Hosiery Mill, a manufacturer of hand-framed argyle socks. In 1961, Mr. Wilkins founded Orbit Manufacturing Co. which grew to employ 1200 people in the economically depressed areas of rural northeast Georgia, manufacturing women’s apparel. In, 1969, he remodeled the original hosiery mill building into an alpine shop, which began the transformation of the town of Helen into a major tourist attraction. Mr. Wilkins served many years on the Helen City Council, was the founder, and chairman of White County Bank. Orbit Manufacturing was sold when Mr. Wilkins retired, but he then went on to develop Innsbruck Subdivision and built Innsbruck Golf Club. In 1995, he was named White County Business Person of the Year, served on the Vestry at Grace Calvary Episcopal Church in Clarkesville and was later a member of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in White County. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Betsy Smith Wilkins, Helen; sons and daughter-in-laws, Jimmy and Carolyn Wilkins, Jr. Gainesville; David and Helen Wilkins, Mike and Anna Wilkins, all of Helen; Buddy and Bonnie Wilkins, Jupiter, FL; grandchildren and families, Nikki and Griff Law, Jimbo and Denise Wilkins, all of Gainesville; Dave and Joanna Wilkins, St. Simons, GA; Dan and Jenny Wilkins, Atlanta; Michael and Rachael Wilkins Kennesaw, GA; William and Molly Wilkins, Macon, GA; Leah Sandusky, Helen; Eric Cook, Statesboro, GA; Dr. Bud Wilkins, Pittsburgh, PA; and Betsy and Elvin Ramos, Lithia, FL; A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 10, 2007 from the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection. The Rev. Scott Kidd will officiate. Mr. Wilkins wishes were to be cremated. Those wishing to express online condolences to the family may do so by visiting www.barrettfh.com In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all donations be made to The Eagle Ranch, the Episcopal Relief Fund, or to the Catalyst Christian Learning Center. Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland is in charge of arrangements. (706) 865-3101