Jim Willcox

James R. Willcox age 63, of Columbus. Jim was born on April 24, 1948 and passed away on May 29, 2011. He was preceded in death by father and mother, Ralph and Lena Willcox, and his brother, Robert. Jim graduated from Franklin Heights High School and attended OSU. Jim passed suddenly while attending his 40th Indianapolis 500 with close friends, Roger and Sara Merritt. We are grateful that Roger and Sara were with Jim and we thank the fans and staff who came to his aid and tried to revive him. He was a beloved member of the Franklin Heights HS Class of ’66 and enjoyed visiting his many friends at the reunions. Jim had a wide circle of friends and enjoyed holding court in his humorous, newsworthy, and curmudgeon-like way at Plank’s on High Street and with other groups of close friends. He was employed at Buckeye ShapeForm for 37 years, presently as Sales Manager. He was known at his employment for his great knowledge and ability to remember things better than anyone. This was an asset in serving their industrial customers. They greatly value his long dedicated service. He is survived by cousins: Steve (Pam) Downing of Westerville; Elizabeth Wood of Denver, Co; Mary (Dale) James of Bexley; Katherine Guttery; Charles Guttery; Kandy Lemaster; Jeanne Mohler; William Mohler; Nancee Bay; David Mohler; Kare Wright; Mary Brinks; Judy Steed, and Karen Downing. Many close friends from: Franklin Heights High School Class of 1966; The Buckeye ShapeForm Family of Co-workers; The Plank family and Plank’s Bier Garten Regular Crowd; West Park United Methodist Church; Swiss Club Friends; and Saturday Morning Hiking Group. Jim loved his church and was an active member of West Park United Methodist. He served as a lay leader, as Chairperson of the Pastor Parish Relations Committee, President of the MOWAC Sunday School Class and was a member of the church’s Dartball League (2010 League Champions.) Friends may call Monday, June 6, 2011 4 – 8 p.m. Funeral service 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at SCHOEDINGER-NORRIS CHAPEL, 3920 Broadway, Rev. Jeffrey Julien officiating. Interment Green Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made out to West Park United Methodist Church, 89 West Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43222. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories of Jim or extend condolences.