Wilcox, James

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James E. "Jim" Wilcox
Date Of Birth:April 13, 1913
Date Of Death:Dec. 1, 2011
Service Date:A funeral service will be held on Monday Dec. 5, 2011 at 2:00pm at the funeral home.

James Edward Wilcox, 98, of Manhattan, died Thursday, December 1st, at the Stonybrook Retirement Community.   He was a retired teacher, principal and school administrator.  Jim taught in Bancroft, Oneida and Sabetha, KS, and was a superintendent in Holcomb & Holton also, retiring in 1979. In 1955 he became a seventh grade math teacher at the Manhattan Junior High School, followed by becoming the principal at the Lee Elementary School in 1956.  During the summer hail seasons Jim worked as a Crop Hail Adjuster.


Jim was born in Nemaha County, KS on April 13, 1913, the son of the late Ella Elizabeth (King) and Jesse Green Wilcox.  He farmed with his dad until he received his Bachelors and Master of Science from Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia.  He served in the US Army during WWII.  While serving his country he was called home from the war to help his mother with the farming after his father passed away.  On May 28, 1939 at Americus, KS he was united in marriage to Nelva May Harris.  He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Manhattan;  NEA, KNEA, American Legion, Lafayette Masonic Lodge AF & AM, Lions, Kiwanis, Toastmasters, AARP, and the Kansas Retired Teachers Association. Jim enjoyed all sports, playing basketball in high school, running the 2 mile in college, bowling in a league during the later years, and working for the K-State Basketball team in their ticket office.

Jim is  survived by his wife,of 72 years, Nelva May, of the home, two daughters, Nancy W. McClanathan, of Manhattan, KS; Connie J.W. Walker, wife of  Duane, of Manhattan, KS; two granddaughters, Morgan Morton and husband Jeff of Burleson, TX; Megan Johnson of Manhattan; two grandsons, Troy Walker of Lafayette, IN; Wade Walker and wife Deidra of Lenexa, KS; and three great granddaughters, Gracie Morton, Kylie Morton and Christina Johnson.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Jesse (his twin brother) and Lawrence Wilcox.
 
Friends are  invited to call, with family present, from  6-8pm on Sunday, Dec. 4 at the funeral home.
A funeral service will be held at the Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home, Manhattan, at 2:00pm on Monday, December 5th, with Rev. R. C. "Cam" McConnell officiating, cremation will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Stonybrook Retirement Community, 2025 Little Kitten Ave Manhattan, KS 66503.


  • From: Ronna Tyson
    Location:Manhattan , Ks

    Connie and Family, I am so sorry to learn of your husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather's passing. I know Mister Wilcox,as I knew him, meant the world to each of you. He was so caring and loving to his Children and everyone he met. I will be praying for each of you to remember him in the way each of you knew him best and that your sorrow will lessen each day. With Love, Ronna Tyson


  • From: Tina  Horocofsky
    Location:Manhattan

    I am happy for Mr. Wilcox to have reached his heavenly destination. I know he was greeted with open arms, "Welcome faithful servant". What a tremendous mentor and friend!! At the age of 10 I transferred from Marlatt to Lee and he his loving personality and endearing smile helped me through the transition..otherwise a lost and frightened little girl. He retired a year or two later and I feel so very blessed to have been able to attend school under his supervision. That blessing continued as I would cross paths with him around town and be able to exchange smiles and a warm hello. I sincerely wish their were more like him in the world! Thanks for the smiles and the cherished memories Mr. Wilcox. I look forward to seeing you again one day=) May God Bless the Wilcox family in this time of sadness.


  • From: Lana Hufnagel
    Location:Manhattan, Kansas

    Dearest Connie and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I had only met him a few times when you all were out shopping, but I know how much he meant to you and your family. He was a man much loved, I am sure. Sending sincerest condolences. Lana Hufnagel


  • From: Kelly Brensing-White
    Location:Manhattan

    Dear Family of Mr. Wilcox, My name is Kelly White, although Mr. Wilcox would know me as Kelly Brensing. I moved to Manhattan in 1969 when I was a 4th grader. My Elementary School was Lee. Mr. Wilcox was my principal and I always remember him at the door in the lobby greeting the kids when I would come to school. He would always smile and make a special effort to talk to each of us when we came through the door each school day. He had a way with each student. He made us feel like we were the most important person in the world with his positive attitude and encouraging words. Coming from Hutchinson, Kansas, a new student, new town and new school, Mr. Wilcox made me feel welcome and most of all very special. After graduating from grade school I always looked forward to the K-State Basketball games because I would get to see him behind the "cage" as I called it selling tickets to all the fans. It always seemed like he was looking for me as whenever I looked over where he was working he was always smiling at me and gave me a wave. Mr. Wilcox will always be remembered as a kind, compassionate, positive and encouraging person who always had a big smile for me. Fondly, Kelly Brensing White


  • From: Ken Hamlin
    Location:St. Joseph, MO

    Mr wilcox was the first adult I met when we moved to Manhattan in 1956. He put up with a lot from me but I never forgot his kindness or smile. I'm am sorry for his death and I was unable to know him as I got older. There are never enought good men in our lives. Bless Connie and her family. You are in my prayers.


  • From: Kim Augustin
    Location:Manhattan KS

    I miss you Jim. Now Nelva is with you i know you guys will take good care of each other. I love you both dearly! Yours truly, Kim CNA CMA (Stoneybrook)