James Lewis Wilcox, 86, of Columbus, Ohio, died February 5, 2024 at First Community Village Rehabilitation Center in Columbus. He was born January 25, 1938 in Columbus, the son of Wayne and Martha (Woolard) Wilcox.
Jim grew up in Briggsdale and graduated from Central High School (Cols) in 1956. Upon graduation he entered the Marines and served his country as a Private First Class and Lance Corporal. After the Marines he married Patricia Lou Swain of Gallipolis, Ohio. They lived in Briggsdale, then the Georgian Heights area on the far west side of Columbus. They were married for 37 years until the unexpected death of Patricia in 1998.
Jim worked as a firefighter for several years in Franklin Township, then nearly 21 years as a firefighter at Franklinton Engine House 10 and eventually a paramedic at Hilltop Engine House 17 for the Columbus División of Fire Department until his early retirement due to health issues in 1989. He also had a construction company, Merit Construction, with his brother, Charles. Both were proud men who did everything for themselves echoed in the phrase "hand working hands to rest" from a common funeral prayer.
Jim enjoyed fishing, hunting, motorcycles, golf, bowling, thoroughbred horses, playing cards and casinos.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his brother, Charles and daughter, Kimberly, both of Columbus. Surviving are sister, Patty Massie of Obetz and his sons, Zachary (Dorretta) Wilcox of DuBois, PA and Troy Wilcox of Columbus. Also surviving are seven grandchildren; Carissa Sliwinski of Wake Forest, NC; Kelsey Bradford of Swissvale, PA; Kirsten Bower of Raleigh, NC; Casey Swatsworth of DuBois, PA; Alisha Speaks of Fairborn, OH; Brynna Speaks of Hilliard, OH; Ada Wilcox of Hilliard, OH; seven great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may call at Newcomer Funeral Home, SW Chapel, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, OH on Monday, February 12, 2024 from 10:00am until time of service at 12:00 noon with Rev. Zachary Wilcox officiating.
In lieu of flowers, family requests you consider donations to the Peripheral Neuropathy Foundation