Nov. 26, 1945 – Nov. 8, 2012
James Lee “Jim” Wilcox, 66, of Delphos, died at 9:35 a.m. Thursday at Zusman Community Hospice in Columbus.
He was born Nov. 26, 1945, in Lima to Eugene Robert and Theola (Faulder) Wilcox, who preceded him in death.
He was formerly married to Connie (Kimmet) Wilcox, who survives in Delphos. He is also survived by his special lady friend Linda Guthrie.
Survivors also include four daughters, Jenny (Jeff) Fischer of Columbus, Sarah (Benjamin) Abernethy of Dayton, Katie Wilcox of Columbus and Ashleigh Wilcox of Dayton; six grandchildren, Logan and Ethan Fischer and Eden, Seth Isaac and Elise Abernethy; and other survivors, Renee (Keith) Burritt, Megan Klausing and Laura Klausing; and lifelong friend, Larry Grothous.
He was also preceded in death by a brother, Willbur “Bill” Wilcox.
Jim was owner and operator of the Knotty Pine in Fort Jennings for 15 years and worked for Clark Equipment for 18 years. He was the kitchen manager at the Delphos Eagles Lodge for 12 years and was currently enjoying his retirement by volunteering his cooking skills to whoever needed them. He served in the Navy Reserves in Lima then went into active duty on the U.S.S. Wasp during the Vietnam War.
Jim was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and also attended Trinity United Methodist Church. He was a Golden Eagle member of Eagles Lodge 471, a life member of American Legion Post 268 and VFW Post 3035, Lima Moose Lodge 199, Van Wert Elks 1197 and the Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of the St. John’s Band Boosters and Athletic Boosters.
Jim’s true passion was cooking for others. He was a Notre Dame and Cleveland Browns fan and a devoted St. John’s supporter.
Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. Monday at Trinity United Methodist Church, the Rev. David Howell officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery, with military graveside rites conducted by the Delphos Veterans Council.
Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Sunday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home, where a Lima Masonic service will begin at 7 :30 p.m.; and one hour prior to the service Monday at the church.
Preferred memorials are to St. John’s Tuition Assistance, Trinity United Methodist Church (Kitchen Fund) or Zusman Community Hospice,