Topsham – James Wallace Wilkes, Jr., 72, of Topsham passed away Thursday,  

January 24, 2019 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital after a short illness. Mr. Wilkes was born in Chicago, IL on March 1, 1946, a son of James Wallace and Gladys Ethel (Mehl) Wilkes, Sr. He married Nancy Ann Zalar in 1978.  

Jim earned a Bachelor of Science Education from Ashland University in Ashland, OH and a Master of Science Zoology from The Ohio State University. He was employed by the Ashland City Schools as a teacher, Assistant Superintendent of Schools and Superintendent of Schools. After a thirty year career in public education, Jim worked as an Educational Facility Planner for an architecture and engineering firm. He finished his professional career as Assistant Dean for Professional Development Services and Director of the Telego Center for Educational Improvement at Ashland University.  

A resident of Topsham since 2005, Jim was a member of First Parish Church in Brunswick. He served as Vice President and President of the Midcoast Senior College Board and as Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Cathance River Educational Alliance (CREA). Jim was a volunteer at Maine Maritime Museum and a docent for Friends of Perry’s Eagle Island.  

Mr. Wilkes was predeceased by his father. Surviving are his wife, Nancy, of Topsham; mother, Gladys Wilkes of Poland, OH; brothers, Thomas Wilkes (Derrell) of Boardman, OH, and Gerald Wilkes (Beryl) of North Garden, VA; a niece, nephews and cousins.  

A memorial service will be held at a date and time to be announced. Arrangements are in the care of the Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal Street, Brunswick. Condolences can be expressed to the family at www.brackettfh.com.