Jimmy Wilkerson, an American former football player and defensive line coach, tragically lost his life due to a heart attack at the age of 43 on December 13, in Oklahoma City.
His wife, Jamie, and their four children, Tyson, Maddox, Jax, and Emilia, survive him.
Highlights
- After retiring from the playing career, Jimmy Wilkerson enjoyed spending time with his wife and four children.
- He was always close with his children, and his sons Maddox and Jax followed in his footsteps.
- He passed away due to a heart attack at 43 on December 13 in Oklahoma City.
Jimmy Boyd Wilkerson, Jr. played football at Paul Pewitt High School and attended the University of Oklahoma, where he played 38 games.
He recorded 4 forced fumbles, 130 tackles, 13 passes defended, 12 sacks, 28 quarterback pressures, and 35 stops for loss in his college career.
Later, the Kansas City Chiefs selected him in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL draft. He played for the Chiefs until 2008, signing a one-year additional contract on March 18, 2007.
Jimmy signed a two-year deal with the Tama Bay Buccaneers on March 1, 2008, and moved into the starting lineup in 2009. However, he was placed on season-ending injured reserve following a torn ACL.
He played with the New Orleans Saints in 2010 and the Seattle Seahawks in 2011. Afterward, he began his coaching career in 2013.
In 2017, he joined Texas A&M-Commerce as a pass rush specialist and defensive line coach, followed by Carl Albert High School in Midwest City, Oklahoma.
Jimmy Wilkerson Had Close Bond With His Children
Although Jimmy Wilkerson kept his personal life far from the tabloids, he had a happy relationship with his wife, Jamie, and their four children.
He hadn’t opened up much about his married life, but his social media is filled with his children’s accomplishments.
After retirement, Jimmy enjoyed his life, spending time with his family, traveling to different destinations, attending church, and reading sermons.
Sometimes, Jimmy and Jamie went to different places with two of their children.
His goal was to be a superhero father to his children, and judging by Maddox Wilkerson’s social media, he was a superhero to them.
I am grateful that you made me who I am today. And if I were to pick a person to look up to, it would be you, Dad. I’ll always love you as a Dad, a best friend, and a coach. I know it may take a while, but I’ll be up with you and tell you about my life and all the adventures I went on.
Maddox Wilkerson
Maddox wished his father was there to see him play, but God always has a different plan. He hoped Jimmy would have fun and tell God everything about his life.
Moreover, Jimmy always looked out for his children and became their best friend. His children believe he will still look for them and watch them grow.
Undoubtedly, his children’s lives won’t be the same without him.
His four children will never forget their memories together; they look up to him. Maddox and Jax followed in their father’s footsteps and pursued an athletic career.
Jimmy Wilkerson Heart Attack, Something That Was Unpredicted
No one has ever predicted that the former athlete and coach Jimmy Wilkerson could face such a tragic demise.
In addition, he was a certified personal trainer and owned Level Up Fitness, specializing in speed, agility, and strength training.
Jimmy coached football at a high school in Oklahoma at the time of his passing. He was at home when a call went to 911, but he had no pulse by the time paramedics got there.
According to Oklahoma sources, he was to attend the Titans’ final practice and walk-through before Saturday’s title game.
His close friends and teammates have poured their heartfelt condolences to the former athlete.
RIP Brother! Gone way too soon. Jimmy was one of the good guys. Prayers to his wife, 4 kids, family, and friends.
Lawrence Tynes
Likewise, Scott Shanle expressed his message via news release, “He was only here for a year, but he fit into our locker room perfectly. Everybody remembered Jimmy. He was just a standup dude.
Additional Information
- Jimmy Wilkerson was named East Texas Player of the Year in high school and led his high school team, Paul Pewitt Brahmas, to a state title in 1998.
- He graduated from the University of Oklahoma with his bachelor’s degree in Multi-Disciplinary Studies.
- He was a volunteer defensive line coach at Summit Christian Academy and became a full-time coach in 2013, continuing till 2015.
