James Edward Willcox

James Edward Willcox Age 73, of Red Oak, Texas, passed away on April 18, 2023. Born on November 27th, 1949, in Wabash, Indiana to John and Viola Mae (Carver) Willcox.  Better known as Jim, Big Jim, Hedge, or Poppy, James graduated from Northfield High School in 1967 and later settled in Texas where he met the love of his life, Diane. The two were married in 1980 and began a family in Red Oak. James always loved to build things, so naturally, he built a career in construction until retiring as superintendent. Never one to sit idle, his retirement led to a second career as owner of a lawn care business where he loved ‘jawing’ with his customers. When he wasn’t working he could be found with his family, and outdoors, often fishing for crappie from his favorite spot, under a bridge on Lake Fork. James loved sharing his catch with his family and friends, and making big batches of his awesome hot dog sauce for community events in his beloved Shag Harbour, Nova Scotia in Canada, where he had a second home, restoring his wife’s great-grandparents house. A Ford man through and through James enjoyed restoring cars, and driving his 63’ Ford Fairlane. With a hard exterior, his soft side was evident with pets and children, and he was a proud Grandfather.  James loved Red Oak, and found fulfillment watching the trees grow that he planted 40 years ago. He will be missed by all that knew him.

James is preceded in death by his parents; brothers: William “Bill” Willcox and Joseph “Joe”Willcox; best friend John Perry; fur friends: Astro, Skippy, Buddy, and Sadie. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Diane; children: daughter Elizabeth of Titusville, Florida, daughter Sarah Mae of Rockwall, Texas, son Matthew Kenney and wife Christina of Kemp, Texas, son Austin James of Red Oak, Texas; grandchildren: Sarah Nicole, Hayden Wesley, Jase Matthew, and his loving fur friend Marley.

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