The Boys State family is deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved Director, William
T. Wilkins, Esq. Director of American Legion Jersey Boys State since 1991, Director
Wilkins was very dedicated to making ALJBS the best program of its kind in NJ and
throughout the US. Bill was a dear friend, mentor and visionary for all of his staff.
The Director's passing has left many of us feeling empty, but we are dedicated to
keeping his spirit alive for years to come.
Director Wilkins was elected Governor of ALJBS in 1968. A graduate of Moorestown High
School, he attended the University of Bath, England, and Fordham College where he was
granted an undergraduate degree. His is also a graduate of Fordham University School
of Law. He focused on municipal law, and became solicitor for Florence, a position
which he served for over twenty years. Later he became solicitor in Palmyra and
Riverton. In 1983, he received the Robert W. Criscuolo Award from the Burlington
County Bar Association for attorneys who contribute to the profession and the
community.
From his appointment in 1991, Director Wilkins was responsible for every
aspect of the Boys State program. He had high expectations of his delegates and wanted
them to gain a better appreciation of the importance of being involved as well as the
knowledge of the operations of our government at the city, county and state levels.
Director Wilkins was always very appreciative and grateful of his staff. He was quick
to give credit to his staff for innovations to the program and their hard work. Having
been only the fifth Director of ALJBS, Director Wilkins had made numerous changes to
the Program including upgrading it to a "college level" seminar, improving the
quality of the staff and the delegates. Director Wilkins wanted to bring the Program
into the 21st century through the use if technology, enhancing the seminar program and
improving upon the political aspects of the program.
Viewing Thursday, September 1 from 7 to 9pm and again on Friday morning from 9 to 10am
at The Mathis Funeral Home, 58 N. Main St., Medford, NJ 08055.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 10:30am at St. Mary of the Lakes R.C.
Church, 40 Jackson Rd., Medford, NJ 08055. Int. Colestown Cemetary, Cherry Hill, NJ.
Contributions in leiu of flowers are asked to be made to
NJ Boys State Foundation, 52 Walsh Ave., Mahwah, NJ 08730.
originally posted Wednesday, August 31, 2005
