Jim Wilcox 1942 ~ 2006 Jim Wilcox passed away quietly at home on February 18, 2006 of advanced colon cancer. He was born in Flint, Michigan to parents Roger and Eva Wilcox. Jim received a Bachelor's Degree from Western Michigan University, and both a Master's Degree and Doctorate from Purdue University. For nearly 30 years, Jim was a Professor of Communication at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. He served as Director of Graduate Studies and Departmental Chair. He directed 36 doctoral dissertations and 30 Master's theses. Jim won several awards for teaching including "Outstanding Professor" for the state of Ohio. He was revered by his students for his wisdom, great stories and commitment to their success. Throughout his career, Jim was a successful organizational consultant serving such clients as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Chrysler, General Electric, Toledo Hospital, and St. Vincent's Medical Center. He strongly believed that effective communication is the foundation of both individual and corporate success. In 1999, Jim was diagnosed with cancer. He and his wife, Ethel, relocated to Park City, Utah and Jim began treatment at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) of Salt Lake City. Jim and Ethel were extremely grateful for the outstanding care he received from HCI. They wanted to create something that would "give back" and contribute to cancer research. To that end, in 2000, they joined with dear friend, Kurstin Lee (a former graduate student of Jim's) to form a corporate gift business called Wasatch Baskets & Gifts. The business has grown from a home-based operation to the present 8,000 sq. ft. production facility and will continue in Jim's honor. Jim will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 34 years, Ethel, and his best friend of 12 years, Kurstin. He is also survived by younger brother Ken (Ruth), their children Nate and Noah, younger brother David (Sue), their children Kristin and David. Jim will also be missed by his "adopted" family Wes, Carl, Rosalie, Scott, Steve, Tammy and numerous Chamber of Commerce friends. A memorial service and luncheon will be held on Saturday, March 4th at Little America Hotel, 500 S. Main, Salt Lake City at 11:00 a.m. All who knew and loved Jim are welcome and encouraged to attend. Flowers are gratefully declined and donations to Huntsman Cancer Institute (801)584-5800 or www.huntsmancancer.org) are genuinely appreciated.
