James Michael “AJ” Wilkerson was born November 28, 1977, to Dorothy Ann Sommo and Charles Wayne Harduby. He was placed for adoption at birth and was adopted by John and Shelley (Hayden) Wilkerson. He grew up in South Windsor, Connecticut. After high school he joined the Navy but was discharged after a short time. Throughout his life he faced many trials and tribulations. Around age 40, they came out as a transgender woman, choosing the name Autumn Jordan, and began using she/her or they/them pronouns. They have moved many times and have lived in many different states, including Hawaii, Washington, Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, and Georgia, before eventually settling down in Montana in 2021.

AJ is survived by their life partner Ash Hill; birth parents Dorothy (Sommo) Green and Charles Harduby; adoptive parents John and Shelley (Hayden) Wilkerson; half-sisters Erin (Bratcher) Hellberg and Esther (Harduby) Ripple; maternal grandmother Dorothy Sommo; three biological children Anastasia, James Jr, and Bertonia; many aunts, uncles, and cousins from both sides and special friend Eric Noe.

AJ is preceded in death by their biological paternal grandparents; maternal grandfather; maternal and paternal great grandparents; and adoptive maternal and paternal grandparents and great grandparents.

There will be no public services. A private family memorial will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society to help find a cure for this horrible disease.

Do not stand
By my grave, and weep.
I am not there,
I do not sleep—
I am the thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints in snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle, autumn rain.
As you awake with morning’s hush,
I am the swift, up-flinging rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight,
I am the day transcending night.
Do not stand
By my grave, and cry—
I am not there,
I did not die.
— Clare Harner, The Gypsy, December 1934