John G. Wilcox

John G. Wilcox

Prairie Village, Kan.

John G. Wilcox died peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023, under hospice care in St. Joseph Hospital of Kansas City, Mo., with his family at his side at the age of 90.

John served proudly in the U.S. Navy on the Battleship Missouri, for four years, demonstrating his dedication and commitment to his country. He graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Cedar Rapids,

Iowa, in 1952 and the University of Iowa in 1959, while sandwiching his naval service in between.

John had a successful career as an executive with pharmaceutical distributors including McKesson & Robbins, J.W. Edgerly, McPike, Foxmeyer & Martek. His work ethic won the respect of his co-workers, but it was his Irish charm, wit and genuine passion that connected him to people. These values were a major part of the successes that he earned in his career, but they also entrusted him to so many people that sought his counsel and mentorship. Old colleagues continued to touch base with him long after his retirement.

John is survived by his loving children, Ron (Mary) Wilcox, James (Amy) Wilcox, Karen Downing, Lisa (Eric) Cross and Patti (John) Shell; and his daughter-in-law, Luanne (Thomas) Wilcox. He was the loving grandfather of Nicholas, Nicole, Jenna, Joseph, Jacqueline, Kathleen, Connor, Riley, Alex, Gene, Morgan, Delaney, Sarah, Jack, Samuel, Taylor and Grant; also the great-grandfather of Owen, Drew, Will, Colton, Ava, Hudson and Owen.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harry J. Wilcox; his mother, Mabel (Williams) Wilcox; his beloved wife, Jacqueline Wilcox; his son, Thomas (Luann) Wilcox; his brother, Harry (Fran) Wilcox; and sister, Kate (Bob) Work.

John met the love of his life in fifth grade and they became sweethearts in high school. The loving bond and respect between the two of them over their 66-year marriage was an inspiration and aspiration to their children. John always made sure that his kids knew how much he loved their mother.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 1:30 p.m. A graveside service at Mount Cavalry Cemetery will follow with a reception at the Starlite Room.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Lawrence Parkinson & Support Group at 4208 Wimbeldon Dr., Lawrence, KS 66047.

John will be remembered for his larger-than-life persona, his successful career, his successful retirement and most importantly, the love and support that he shared with his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and embraced by those who went before him.

We wish to thank the staff at St Joseph Hospital and Dr. Donald Cohen for their attentive and compassionate care to John in his final hours.