Gale B. "Jim" Cox, Jr. (aka "Wally")

He was born on May 13, 1942, in Springfield, the son of Gale B., Sr. and Dorothy L. (Starks) Cox. He married Patricia A. DeCroix on May 26, 1962 in Springfield. They were married for 58 years.

Jim was in the first graduating class from Griffin High School in 1960, and then served in the U.S. Navy as an Electronics Technician from 1960 to 1964. He spent two years aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Constellation CVA-64. In 1964, Jim was employed by AT&T as a Communication Technician and retired in 2001. He later worked part-time for the National Park Service as a Seasonal Park Guide at the Lincoln Home NHS in Springfield for 11 years.

Jim was active in many roles including the BSA program as a Cubmaster of St. Aloysius Pack 53 from 1972 to 1979, a Roundtable/Leadership Course Developer and Training Commissioner, the Lincoln Home District Chairman for the Cub Scout program, an Abraham Lincoln Council Executive Board Member, and the first Council Popcorn Fund Chairman. He earned numerous unit, district, and council leadership awards including the Silver Beaver, Scouting’s highest award for an adult volunteer.

Jim was the past president for the Senior Service Center of Illinois’ Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and served on the Senior Services of Central Illinois Board of Directors as Nomination Committee Chairman. He received the 2004 Lawrence Camp Volunteer Award for service at the Lincoln Home NHS. Jim was also a Santa for Downtown Springfield, Inc. for many years.

His greatest joys in life were his family and friends, especially the grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Norris “Naud” Ramsey; brother, Thomas Cox; and sister, Barbara Nation.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; three sons, David (wife, Joyce), Steve (wife, Pam), and Michael (wife, Heather); six grandchildren, Samantha, Taylor, Robert, Danielle, Emilee, and Nicole; sisters, Sue Eggleston and Patti (husband, Joseph) Kaidell; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 29, 2021, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield. Due to COVID restrictions there will be limited capacity. Visitation will begin with a prayer service.

Funeral Mass: 12:30 p.m. on Friday, April 30, 2021, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 2000 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield, IL 62702, with Rev. Clinton Honkomp, O.P. officiating. Due to COVID restrictions there will be limited capacity.

Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with Military Honors by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and the Department of Defense. A luncheon will follow at Northfield Inn Suites & Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Drive, Springfield, IL 62702.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105 - and then enjoy their favorite ice cream cone in remembrance of all the good times.