Jim Wilcox

Jim Wilcox, 75, of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, went to his heavenly home on Monday evening, April 2nd, 2018 at his home after bravely fighting the struggle against COPD, surrounded by his family with love and prayers.  Jim was born March 10, 1943, in Paragould, Arkansas to Cleo and Cecil Wilcox.  He was of Baptist faith.  He married Connie McCord Wilcox in Paragould, Arkansas on April 4, 1970.  He was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family.

Jim proudly served his country as a medic in the Army. He went above and beyond to provide for his family through the years.  He was an incredible home builder for many years in Paragould. Jim and his family moved to St. Louis, MO in 1985, where he worked at McDonnell Douglas. He then began a successful career at General Motors in 1985 and retired there as a team leader in the paint department with 24 years of service.

Jim loved his lake home at Mark Twain Lake and enjoyed taking tractor rides with his grandchildren. He really enjoyed his time on his boat at the lake and fishing. Some of our most cherished memories is when Dad would make homemade ice cream, chili or we’d have a fish fry as a family.

His grandchildren were the light of his life and brought great joy to him as did his dogs, Carly Jo & Isabella Rose.

After retirement, Jim and Connie moved to Florida in 2011. Jim loved his Florida home and enjoyed all the family that came to visit them along with the weather.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Cecil Wilcox; his mother, Cleo Wilcox; and a brother-in-law, Louis Winscher.

He is survived by his wife, Connie Wilcox; two sons, Greg Wilcox of Lake St. Louis, MO and Corey Wilcox(Katie) of KS; one daughter, Tracy Ellis(Rick) of O’Fallon, MO; one sister, Carol Drucilla Winscher of MO; three brothers, Cecil Edward Wilcox(Mylene) of MO, Fred Wilcox(Janice) of Paragould, Arkansas, and Gary Wilcox(Carol) of TN; seven grandchildren, Brett Ellis, Austin Ellis, Evan Wilcox, Madison Wilcox, Zack Ellis, Morgan Wilcox and Drake Ellis.

One of his greatest talents were how skilled he was with his hands, he was self taught. Jim could rebuild engines in cars, decks, sheds, cabinets like no other. His sense of humor would brighten our day.  He loved to make us laugh until the very end.

He also loved his St. Louis Cardinals and watching western movies, especially Gun Smoke.

We will honor Jim’s life on Saturday, April 7th, with a visitation from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held at Phillips Funeral Home on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. with Brother Royce Boling officiating.  Burial will follow at Linwood Cemetery.

Greg Wilcox, Corey Wilcox, Rick Ellis, Brett Ellis, Austin Ellis, Zack Ellis, Evan Wilcox and Drake Ellis will serve as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers are Madison and Morgan Wilcox.

The family would like to extend a very special thanks to all his family and friends for their support during this difficult time.

He left a great legacy for his family and we will always carry on his memory in our hearts. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.