John Fletcher Bosworth Wilkinson

John Fletcher Bosworth Wilkinson, born April 29, 1934, passed away the evening of Friday, October 2, 2015, surrounded by his loving wife, sons Geoffrey and John and dear friends. Although he was born while his family lived on West End Boulevard he considered the home on Bayou St. John his lifelong home. He used to tell anyone who would listen that he was born in that house and he was going to die in that house. John’s wish was granted. Raised on Bayou St. John, he spent much of his life exploring the banks of the Bayou and many hours fishing. When not fishing on the Bayou he was fishing on his father’s boat the Moonflower and years later on his own Moonflower III. He loved sharing the wonderful stories of being raised on the Bayou and his days on the boat or at the boathouse in Lafitte and the years of the Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo.

John attended Gulf Coast Military Academy and was a graduate of Metairie Park Country Day School. He graduated from The University of the South in Sewanee, TN and obtained his Juris Doctorate from Tulane University Law School. He was the last surviving member of the law firm of Wilkinson and Wilkinson which began with his father. John was raised attending the opera with his family and many years as a member of the Krewe of Hermes.

John loved history and was a proud member of many ancestral organizations devoting many hours serving as president of The George Washington Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and The Louisiana Association of the Society of the Cincinnati. Also member of The Sons of the Revolution, The General Society of the War of 1812, General Society of Colonial Wars, Most Noble Order of the Garter, The Somerset Chapter Magna Charta Barons, The Churchill Society, past member of The Round Table Club and The Thackeray Society. He was president of the Louisiana Historical Society for many years. John proudly served in the Washington Artillery Louisiana Army National Guard. He was a Trustee of St. Paul’s Episcopal School in New Orleans.

John is preceded in death by his father, Hugh Miller Wilkinson and mother, Dudley Wilson Wilkinson; brothers, Hugh M. Wilkinson, Jr. and James Wilkinson, III; and sister, Leila Wilkinson Scheyd.

John is survived by his devoted wife, Susan Kern Wilkinson, with whom he was married for 33 years. He was constantly reminded that in addition to the married years they dated for 11 years. Also survived by daughter Lisa Allen Wilkinson; sons, John F. B. Wilkinson, Jr., Robert Andrews Wilkinson and Geoffrey Owen Marshall Wilkinson; grandchildren, Caroline, John III and William Wilkinson; sister, Sheila Wilkinson Williams and sisters-in-law Jean Wilkinson, widow of James and Gloria Wilkinson, widow of Hugh.

John made friends easily and never met a female or a puppy he did not like. He was loved by many and will be missed.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2015, 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church located at 6249 Canal Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70124. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.