James "Mike" Gillikin

James “Mike” Michael Gillikin, 64, of Newport, passed away Saturday, November 17, 2018, at his home.

His funeral service will be held  11 a.m. on Saturday, November 24, 2018, at the First Free Will Baptist Church in Morehead City with Pastor Jerry Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Bayview Cemetery.

He was born and raised in Otway and graduated from East Carteret High School in 1972. He was with the NC State Port Authority as a certified welder, heavy equipment operator, and maintenance mechanic. He was incredibly gifted and skilled with his hands and generous to others, definitely earning his nickname “MacGyver”. He was a protective and loyal husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a chocoholic and quite a comedian. Mike was a believer in Christ and recently gave his whole heart to God.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Anne Gillikin of the home; daughters, Melodie Gillikin Willis and husband Brinkley of Morehead City and Teresa Riggs of Newport; son, Wesley Riggs of Morehead City; grandchildren, Jamison Brinkley Willis, Jeremy Bryson Willis, and Hilary Seibert and husband Grady; great-grandchildren, Ezekiel Seibert and Noah Seibert; sister, Teresa Gillikin, Vickie Guthrie, Debbie Wade, and Lisa Block; brother, Wayne Gillikin; and former mother-in-law, Joyce Sanderson.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Kay Gillikin; son, Jeremy Gillikin; parents, Frank and Melva Gillikin; sister, Sherry Scott; and his dog, Buster Brown.

The family will receive friends 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, November 23, 2018, at Munden Funeral Home.

Flowers are welcome, or memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 930-B Wellness Dr, Greenville, NC 27834 or the American Epilepsy Society at www.aesnet.org

Online condolences may be made at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements are by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory, Morehead City, NC.