James Harland Wilcox

james wilcox

September 8, 1954 ~ March 9, 2026

Born in: Elyria, OH
Resided in: Concord, OH

James Harland Wilcox, age 71 of Concord, passed away Monday, March 9, 2026 at UH TriPoint Medical Center. He was born September 8, 1954 in Elyria, the son of Lucien Harland and Julia Jean (Kader) Wilcox.

Jim was a 1976 graduate of The Ohio State University receiving a Bachelor of Science in Welding Engineering. He was a licensed Professional Engineer, employed by the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company for over 27 years as an engineer and plant maintenance manager.

Jim was a member of Central Congregational Church in Madison and served as a Sunday school teacher, moderator, and chairman of the board of deacons and board of trustees. He also served as a leader in Indian Guides, Cub and Boy Scouts and coached boys and girls teams for youth softball. He enjoyed golf, reading and crossword puzzles. Jim married well, played hard and lived a great life.

He is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis; son, Benjamin (Annette) Wilcox; daughter, Meredith McDonald; grandchildren, Preston, Audrey, Nolan and Carter Wilcox and Mikey, Maddie, and Macy McDonald; siblings, Mark (Tanas) Wilcox, sister-in-law Holly Wilcox, Kate (Allison Dowd) Wilcox. He was preceded in death by his son, Matthew J. Wilcox; his parents; and brother, Paul Wilcox.

Funeral Service for Jim will take place at 11 am on Friday, March 13, 2026 at Central Congregational Church, 71 Park Street in Madison Village. Friends and family will be received for 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will immediately follow at Fairview Cemetery on River Street in Madison. Due to severe floral allergies, the family kindly requests if sending flowers, that no lilies be sent; thank you for your understanding. The family suggests contributions to be made in Jim’s name to the Salvation Army, 69 Pearl Street, Painesville, OH 44077. Online obituary and guestbook available at www.behmfuneral.com.

Services

Visitation: Friday, March 13, 2026 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Central Congregational Church
71 Park Street
Madison, OH 44057

440-428-3802

Funeral Service: Friday, March 13, 2026 11:00 am

Central Congregational Church
71 Park Street
Madison, OH 44057

440-428-3802

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Dear Phyllis and family – I am so very, very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such a great guy – He will always be my all-time favorite boss ever. He would always put something funny in the newsletter he wrote at the plant, and we would both laugh over it. Such a great guy…You both were very supportive of me, and it was always so appreciated…I am thinking of you all and praying for you. I am sending love, too.

    • Hi Cynthia. Thank you for reaching out. I made my dad laugh a few times, so I reckon I’m at least about 60% as funny as him.

  2. Jim was one of my best friends growing up. He was one of the original JCF members. Only this who grew up on Jerrol Ct. Can appreciate how close we all were in our youth. And am so sad to hear of his passing. I loved this guy and will miss him greatly. My thoughts prayers and sympathies go out to Phylis and family.

    • Tom, you’ve always been a good friend to my dad. My childhood friends and I started a tradition called “Brohican.” We go camping at Mohican SP in Loudonville. Several of them knew my dad and all these guys showed up for the memorial. It touched me deeply, as did your presence. Thank you for always being there.

  3. Ben and family,
    On behalf of the IDT family, our hearts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. We are sending you love and hugs from TN.
    Condolences from Valerie Garber and the rest of the ID Images team in Greeneville

    • Thank you Valerie. I’m also sorry for your loss, of me, for a week. haha. Had to be done. I really appreciate you reaching out on behalf of the crew. We have felt so much love and every bit helps.

  4. Phyllis, Please accept my humble and sincere condolences for your loss. You truly had a lifetime of companionship, partnership and love from childhood Sunday school (7s…) to 70s! Grief is more than the price we pay for love; it is the proof love exits. Please let me know if there is anything your willoughby hills rheumatology family can do for you. Jan Granieri

    • Thank you Janice. I’m touched that you mentioned my parents’ love and union. As much as I’ll miss my dad as an individual, him and mom made a formidable team. Anyone who helps my mom is a good egg. Thank you.

  5. I’m so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I was his pastor for about 15 years and he was chair of the Board of Deacons for part of that time. My prayers are for the family as you grieve

    • Jay, thank you for reaching out. I know you were a comfort to my parents during a difficult time. You were a comfort to me too, for what it’s worth.

  6. Pop, so many people loved you and you touched so many lives. I’m as proud of you as you were proud of me. I love you with the intensity you loved my mother. I’ll protect my family like you protected me. I’ll honor your legacy by being the best person you taught me to be. I loveya. It was good to hear your voice.

  7. I am truly saddened to learn of Jim’s passing. I have such wonderful memories of our time as classmates (72). His mischievous side provided us with more than a few laughs (and maybe a couple of detentions.) The old line of “one time at band camp….” fit him to a tee. He was a born leader and someone we knew we could always count on for help. His presence at our class reunions will be sorely felt. To his family, you were truly blessed to have him as a husband, father and grandfather. May your memories bring you comfort, peace and smiles.

  8. Phyllis, Ben, Meredith and your families,
    My sincerest condolences to you on your loss. Jim was a good man and a good friend from high school and over the years. Although I hadn’t seen him in quite a while, I always considered him a “buddy” and was proud to have known him. Rest in peace Jim; you’ll be missed. And may God’s blessings be with you all and your families.

    Best regards,
    Randy Fannin


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