James "Jim" Wilcox

James Edward Wilcox, 98, of Manhattan, died Thursday, December 1st, at the Stonybrook Retirement Community. He was a retired teacher, principal and school administrator. Jim taught in Bancroft, Oneida and Sabetha, KS, and was a superintendent in Holcomb & Holton also, retiring in 1979. In 1955 he became a seventh grade math teacher at the Manhattan Junior High School, followed by becoming the principal at the Lee Elementary School in 1956. During the summer hail seasons Jim worked as a Crop Hail Adjuster. Jim was born in Nemaha County, KS on April 13, 1913, the son of the late Ella Elizabeth (King) and Jesse Green Wilcox. He farmed with his dad until he received his Bachelors and Master of Science from Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia. He served in the US Army during WWII. While serving his country he was called home from the war to help his mother with the farming after his father passed away. On May 28, 1939 at Americus, KS he was united in marriage to Nelva May Harris. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Manhattan; NEA, KNEA, American Legion, Lafayette Masonic Lodge AF & AM, Lions, Kiwanis, Toastmasters, AARP, and the Kansas Retired Teachers Association. Jim enjoyed all sports, playing basketball in high school, running the 2 mile in college, bowling in a league during the later years, and working for the K-State Basketball team in their ticket office. Jim is survived by his wife,of 72 years, Nelva May, of the home, two daughters, Nancy W. McClanathan, of Manhattan, KS; Connie J.W. Walker, wife of Duane, of Manhattan, KS; two granddaughters, Morgan Morton and husband Jeff of Burleson, TX; Megan Johnson of Manhattan; two grandsons, Troy Walker of Lafayette, IN; Wade Walker and wife Deidra of Lenexa, KS; and three great granddaughters, Gracie Morton, Kylie Morton and Christina Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Jesse (his twin brother) and Lawrence Wilcox. Friends are invited to call, with family present, from 6-8pm on Sunday, Dec. 4 at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held at the Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home, Manhattan, at 2:00pm on Monday, December 5th, with Rev. R. C. 'Cam' McConnell officiating, cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Stonybrook Retirement Community, 2025 Little Kitten Ave Manhattan, KS 66503.