Meet the James Millikin Homestead Board of Directors

Jim Wilkerson is a graduate of Mt. Zion High School and Millikin University. He majored in English/Writing. He has over 30 years of experience in marketing, advertising, and sales. He is an English teacher at Unity Christian. He is the founder of Decatur Area Poets. He is married to his wife, Stephanie, and they have two amazing daughters – Taylor and Carli. Oh, and two dogs – Sugar and Cookie. Jim loves the Homestead, the history behind it, and he enjoys working with the Homestead Board to grow and strengthen its vision in preserving the home and property, as well as continuing its legacy of promoting the arts. 

Amanda is a native of Indiana, graduating from Millikin University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She has been a resident of Decatur for over twenty years, living with her husband, Jason, and son Patrick. Her volunteerism includes serving as financial secretary of Prairie Avenue Christian Church and the Clokey Park Neighborhood Association. When not loving numbers or things related to accounting, she enjoys reading and knitting.

Ann-Marie is a native of Groton, Connecticut, an area of southeastern Connecticut that is rich in Revolutionary War history. She and her family have made Decatur their home since 1982 when her husband, a recent graduate of UCONN was recruited by the Illinois Power Company. 

Ann-Marie holds a B.S. degree from Millikin University and an M.Ed. degree from Kennesaw State University. As a retired educator, she spent her career as a primary grades’ teacher in Decatur Public Schools and most recently was an Adjunct Professor in the Education Department at Millikin University. 

Ann-Marie has been associated with the Homestead since 2011 and is currently president of the Board of Directors. In addition to volunteering at the Homestead, she enjoys traveling, reading, baking, stitching and attending musical events in which her daughter is performing.

Mary came to Decatur in 1979 when her husband accepted a teaching position at Millikin University. Over the years her children have fond memories of attending Mr. and Mrs. Millikin Days and attending craft classes at the Carriage House. After a 30-year career as a civil servant, Mary now enjoys reading, crafting, and visiting her grandchildren in the state of Washington. 

David Bowman returns to JMH’s Board (serving 2012-18) when he led the Master Gardener program and our Storm Window upgrade to National Historic Landmark Standards. David is a UIUC retiree, where he was assigned to its campus Grounds Management (8-yr) and off-campus Robert Allerton Park (22-yr).

Caroline Farris is a lifelong Central Illinois resident from Moweaqua who now lives in Decatur’s historic West End with her husband and two young children in the former home of Leslie and Lauretta Allen on Honorary Leslie T. Allen Way. Professionally, she serves as Assistant Director for Compliance and Reporting at the Illinois Community College Board, where she focuses on accountability and effective program oversight. She holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business with a concentration in Hispanic Countries and is bilingual in English and Spanish. Caroline also serves as Board Director of Communications for the Junior Welfare Association, supporting its mission of improving lives in Decatur through volunteer service, nonprofit support, and programs such as providing shoes to students in need throughout Macon County. A dedicated wife, mother, and community volunteer, she values preserving local history, strengthening neighborhoods, and investing in the place she calls home, making her eager to contribute to the continued stewardship of the James Millikin Homestead.  

Bio coming soon.

Cristy Patrick is a lifelong resident of Decatur and the surrounding communities. She has been married to her husband, Tim, for nearly 23 years and is the proud mother of two sons and two bonus children. Although she earned a Master’s Degree in Accountancy, she discovered her true passion in education and is now a certified physical education teacher at Hope Academy, where she has taught for the past three years.

Cristy is also an accomplished volunteer and fundraiser. Over the past decade, she has led highly successful school book fairs, increasing participation and sales through creative programming and community engagement. As PTO President at Montessori Academy for Peace, she has organized numerous family events and fundraising initiatives, helping support students and school programs. She currently serves as a fundraising co-chair for the Junior Welfare Association, where she helped lead the organization’s ThankFall Raffle to a record-breaking year, raising more than $12,000.

In addition to her fundraising efforts, Cristy serves as a wrestling coach for the Decatur Lakers Wrestling Club and leads the Health Club at Hope Academy, teaching students about fitness, nutrition, and healthy living. She is a strong advocate for volunteerism and believes that investing time in the community is one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference and inspire future generations to do the same.

Bio coming soon.