In Memory: Robert James Wilcox

Robert James Wilcox

Jim Wilcox loved the Lord, his family, and his friends. Robert James Wilcox was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 12, 1938 to Robert Lyndon and Helen Orr Wilcox. Though born in Detroit, Jim considered himself to be from Kentucky where his father was born and where he graduated from the University of Kentucky. He loved Kentucky basketball. Jim was commissioned in the United States Air Force in 1962. His military career took the family to Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, Alabama, North Dakota, Florida, California, Wyoming, and finally to Colorado. While stationed at Grand Forks, North Dakota he and Janet both earned Masters degrees from the University of North Dakota. He retired from the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) at Cheyenne Mountain in 1982. He also served two remote tours in Okinawa and Thailand. Jim’s assignments in the Air Force included duties as a Weapons Controller, General’s Aide, Missile Launch Officer, Air Officer Commanding (AOC) at the Air Force Academy, and a Command Director at NORAD. He retired as a Lt. Col. After leaving the Academy, the Wilcox family moved to Monument where they lived for 28 years before moving into Colorado Springs. Upon retirement from the military, Jim began two new careers: the first in real estate and then as Academic Advisor for the College of Engineering at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS). He retired from UCCS in 2000. Jim enjoyed serving at his church, skiing with his family, and traveling. He was an avid reader, and especially enjoyed studying about things of the Lord. He delighted in listening to and singing Christian music. Jim’s most important legacy is seen in his children and grandchildren. Thirteen grandchildren will miss their Poppy tremendously. Two more will be told of his kindness and his love for them when they come home from Ethiopia to join the family in May. Jim is survived by his wife, Janet Marie (Olsen) Wilcox. He is also survived by his four sons: Dr. William David Wilcox and his wife Andrea, Kenneth Douglas Wilcox and his wife Michelle, Dr. Robert Todd Wilcox and his wife Traci, and David Allen Wilcox and his wife Tracy. His sister Barbara Good and sisters-in-law Doris Olsen and Nancy Olsen also survived Jim along with several nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his parents and his sister Norma. The love and encouragement of the staff and friends at First Presbyterian Church, the members of his Pathfinder Sunday School class, and of his Bible Study groups were precious to Jim. The health care workers at the Center at Centennial and the Village at Skyline became well-loved friends as they provided compassionate care in the last eight months of his life. A celebration of Jim’s life will be at 1:00p.m. on Friday, February 10. This is the day of Jim and Janet’s fiftieth anniversary – also a great celebration. It will be held at First Presbyterian Church. Prior to the memorial, there will be a visitation on February 9th from 6:00-8:00p.m. at Cappadona Funeral Home. Memorials in Jim’s name may be sent to Hope & Home, a foster care agency in Colorado Springs or Lifesong for Orphans (directed to the funds of Woodmen Valley Chapel or Santa Barbara Community Church) or to any Christian adoption/foster or orphan care ministry.