WILKINSON, James “Sandy” Vail
WILKINSON, James “Sandy” Vail (1923-2006), the son of Mary Eliza Vail and James Wilkinson.
In the News~
August 9, 2006 [LAT]: “WILKINSON, James Vail "Sandy" Sandy, 83, passed away August 3rd after a long battle with C.O.P.D./emphysema. Sandy was born in Los Angeles. The son of James W. Wilkinson and Mary Vail, he was the grandson of Walter L. Vail, pioneer cattleman and rancher in California and Arizona and was married to Virginia Spear "Gina" Wilkinson. He attended Commonwealth Grammar School, John Burroughs Jr. High, Los Angeles High School, and Stanford University. His original graduating class of 1945 was delayed due to WW II. He received his B.S. degree in engineering. In WW II he served in the Army Air Corps. He went on to become the V.P. of the Vail Co. and served as the ranch foreman and Chief engineer. His background with the Vail Ranch led to him becoming the first manager of the Rancho California Water District. He was also a successful general contractor and developer. Throughout his life he was an avid hunter, fisherman, flyer, rancher and outdoorsman. He was preceded in death by his wife "Gina" who passed in April 2001. He is survived by three children, Anne Wilkinson Nanni of Spokane, WA, Whitney Vail Wilkinson of San Diego, CA, and Mary Eliza Schreckenberger of Carmel, CA, and seven grandchildren. No formal services will be held. Donations can be made to the Vail Ranch Restoration Association (www.vailranch.org/donations).”
