John Irvin “J.I.” Wilkin, age 86, of Pella, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, October 24, 2017, at Jefferson Place Hospice in Pella. Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M., Thursday, October 26, 2017, at the Eddyville Funeral Chapel. J.I.’s family will be present Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, October 27, 2017 at the Eddyville Funeral Chapel. Burial with Military Honors will immediately follow the service at Highland Cemetery in Eddyville. J.I. was born on April 5, 1931 in Monroe County, Iowa. He was the oldest son of John H. and Florence (Gray) Wilkin. J.I. was raised in the country and went to country school before graduating from the Eddyville High School, Class of 1950. After high school J.I. served in the United States Army as a tank operator during the Korean War. J.I. served for two years and was awarded the Purple Heart. On January 23, 1955 J.I. and Carol Van Loon were united in marriage. They shared over 62 years of marriage and were blessed with one son Craig. J.I. began to work at John Morrell in Ottumwa. He worked for 23 years with John Morrell and then for 20 years with Vermeer Manufacturing, retiring as a supervisor. J.I. enjoyed sports, especially the Chicago Cubs. He coached little league baseball for many years and for several years J.I. and Carol wintered in Arizona. He was a 63 year member of the Eddyville Legion Post 418 and seven times Past Commander. J.I. is survived by his loving wife of over 62 years, Carol Wilkin of Pella; son, Craig (Pam) Wilkin of Pleasant Hill; two grandchildren, Jenna (Darrin) Carpenter and Brett (Ivana) Wilkin; two great grandchildren, Lincoln and Landry Carpenter; siblings, Grace (Ron) Francis, Shirley (Jack) Tingle, Kathleen Wilkin, and Arch (Karen) Wilkin. J.I. is also survived by two sisters in-law, Geraldine Wilkin and Barbara Wilkin. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Florence Wilkin; two brothers, James and William Wilkin. Memorial contributions may be made in J.I.’s name to Eddyville American Legion Post 418. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.eddyvillefuneralchapel.com. The Eddyville Funeral Chapel is assisting J.I.’s family with services.