Jess Jacob Wilkins
May 31, 1985 - May 5th, 2023- Birth Date: May 31, 1985
- Death Date: May 5, 2023
- Funeral Date: May 15, 2023, 10:00 am
- Location: Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205
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Biography:
Jess Jacob Wilkins, 37, died May 5, 2023, while doing something he loved – riding his motorcycle. Jess was the beloved son of Martha and Terry Sharp and Marc and Muriel Wilkins.
Jess was an avid outdoorsman. His father, Marc, taught Jess to hunt and fish as soon as Jess was old enough to learn. Jess also loved to hike, float, scuba dive, skydive,camp, rock climb and most of all travel to see the world. In 2016, having an entrepreneurial spirit and insatiable curiosity, Jess decided to grow mushrooms. He began this project in his apartment out of pure curiosity and fascination. Through trial and error and dogged persistence he became an artisan mushroom farmer and founded Wye Mountain Mushroom Farm. He ordered and designed all the equipment himself and, ultimately, grew a wide variety of mushrooms. He regularly had a booth at Hillcrest and Bernice Gardens farmers’ markets.
His mushrooms are in demand at many local restaurants, including The Pantry, The Root Café, Ciao Baci, and Hill Station. Jess was included in the book, Rooted: Central Arkansas Farm and Table, by Lacey Thacker and Sara Mitchell. He was a guest on P. Allen Smith’s television show, Garden to Table on American Public Television, and he was featured in many publications, including the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. The Arkansas Times posted a wonderful tribute to Jess on May 9.
Before Jess grew mushrooms, he was a cook, a professional fisherman (catch and release only), an upholsterer, and a handyman. Jess said that if he could find it on YouTube, he could do it. He always knew that his path would not be found in a classroom. Instead, he relied upon his innate curiosity, his intelligence, and his work ethic to learn new skills.
The best part of Jess was his pureness of heart. He was inquisitive, adventurous, and without agenda. He made friends everywhere and of all ages, cultures and ethnicities.
Jess leaves behind his grandmother, Joy Sharp; stepbrothers, Austin Hollingsworth, Cameron Sharp, and Jon Sharp (Caitlin); stepsister, Ella Hollingsworth; aunts, Susan Congdon (Ed Calva); Madolyn Congdon; uncles, Tim Sharp, Mark Stanley (Anna), and Frank Wilkins (Kim); and numerous cousins.
A few years ago Jess lost his best friend, Ralph. Ralph was a miniature schnauzer who was his constant companion for fourteen years. He and Ralph hiked the entire Ouachita trail when Ralph was ten. Ralph frequently got a free ride in the back pack! Ralph and then TyTy(his dog who is a popular attraction at the farmers markets) were his canoe companions on yearly canoe trips on the Buffalo River most often in the winter. Jess so often said the beauty and the solitude of the River was one of his happiest places to be. Ty Ty is now happily at home with Jess’s mother and step-dad and two dog-siblings.
Jess was predeceased by his adored grandparents, Shirley and Jack Wilkins. They were the only babysitters he ever had, and it was from them that he got his entrepreneurial spirit. He was also predeceased by grandparents Barbara and Pete Stanley, and Aunt Jacque Rainwater (Robert).
Instead of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Jess to The Nature Conservancy, The Humane Society, or Friends Of The Ouachita Trail.
Visitation will be held at 4:00-6:00 p.m., Sunday, May 14, and a memorial service at 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 15, both at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 West Markham, Little Rock 72205. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com
Condolences(08)
Marolyn Dorman
#7
May 15th, 2023 9:01 am
I've read so many tributes to this young man in local papers. And turns out all my kids knew him. Marc & Martha, clearly you raised a remarkable human being. My heart goes out to you both in this unimaginable loss.
Jaime Gutowski
#6
May 13th, 2023 6:47 pm
May Jess's light that shined so bright on earth continue to shine in your heart in this time of sorrow and may all the wonderful memories of his life bring comfort to you in days to come, knowing that he will forever in spirit be walking through life with you still. Forever your son, and forever my dear friend. My deepest condolences
Libbie Dougan
#5
May 13th, 2023 4:13 pm
Marc, et al, Please accept my sincerest condolences, on the loss of your son. I cannot even imagine the pain that you all are enduring. Please know that I am asking The Holy Spirit, to pour His peace and contentment, comfort and joy, down over you all, like warm honey. If there is any one thing, that you can think of, that I can do to help you all. Please let me know. You have my number. Bless your hearts. Libbie Dougan
Mary Waldo
#4
May 12th, 2023 1:16 pm
Dear Martha,
Please know how very sad I am. I remember Jess being with you at Oasis when we were there together. I remember how proud you were of all he had accomplished. May God be with you & all who loved Jess .
Mary Waldo
Please know how very sad I am. I remember Jess being with you at Oasis when we were there together. I remember how proud you were of all he had accomplished. May God be with you & all who loved Jess .
Mary Waldo
Deborah Jackson
#3
May 11th, 2023 3:08 pm
Martha and all members of Jess’s family, I am deeply saddened for your loss. Jess sounds like he loved life to the fullest. May God be with you all.
Deborah Jackson
Deborah Jackson
Gina Briley
#2
May 11th, 2023 7:16 am
You are in my thoughts and prayers. What an extraordinary life Jess lived. May your many good memories support you during this time.
Adam Bellingrath
#1
May 10th, 2023 6:01 pm
Jess was my best friend thru middle school. Although I have not seen Jess in over 20 years I still have fond memories of him. I am saddened to hear of his passing and wish my condolences to his parents Martha and Marc who were always kind and welcoming to me.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
The staff of Richards Honda Yamaha