Dr. James Walker Pilkington was born January 23, 1932 to James Jeffers Pilkington and Bernadine Atteberry Pilkington in Red Oak, Iowa. He flew into the arms of The Lord on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 in Springfield, Missouri at the age of 81 years, 1 month and 11 days. Jim graduated from Red Oak High in 1949, where he excelled in academics, track and field, and football. He attended the University of Iowa and then transferred to Drake University where he obtained his bachelor's degree in Education. On January 31, 1953, Jim married the love of his life, Carol Laine Sellergren. To this union four children were born: Jeff, Gail, Matt and Kim. He served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. He procured his Master's degree from the University of the Pacific and his Doctorate Degree in Education from the University of Nebraska. GO BIG RED! Dr. Pilkington spent his career as a coach and professor at the university level. Prior to retiring, he coached and taught at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg for 29 years. He started the Mule Relays and the women's track and field program which produced many NCAA All American athletes and several Olympic prospects. He was inducted into many athletic Halls of Fame. After retiring, Jim spent several years living at Lake of the Ozarks. In 2005, Jim and Carol moved to Ozark, MO to be closer to their children and grandchildren. He volunteered at James River Assembly after moving to Ozark. Jim was preceded in death by his son, Matt; parents, Jim and Bernadine; younger brother, Ross and his wife Pauline Pilkington; and sister-in-law, Penny Sellergren. Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carol Pilkington of Ozark, MO; children: Jeff (Lisa) Pilkington of Urbandale, IA, Gail Bodenhausen Cyr of Ozark, MO, and Dr. Kim (Lisa) Pilkington of Nixa, MO; 12 grandchildren: Tera (Chris) Schmidt, Gara (Brian) Powell, Gavin (Megan) Bodenhausen, Gabrael (Michael) Lampe, Gunnar Cyr, Josh (Darcie) Storms, Matthew Storms, Evan Pilkington, Spencer Pilkington, Jansen Pilkington, Taylor Pilkington and Conner Pilkington; great grandchildren: Peighton, Raleigh, and Durham Powell, Chanse and Maggie Bodenhausen, and Graham Lampe; nephews: Mark (Kari) Pilkington and Jay (Janna) Pilkington, many great nieces and nephews. May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn. Funeral Service will be held Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home, Red Oak, IA Burial in Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak with Military Honors Visitation with the family present on Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home. Memorials to the Maple Wood Alzheimers Special Care Center Employees Education Fund 1146 E. Lakewood St., Springfield, MO 65810 Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.sldfuneralhome.com A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date in Ozark, MO.
