"So sorry, rest in peace Jay you will be missed "
In loving memory of
John C. "Jay" Wilcoxen
November 8, 1942 - June 14, 2022
John C. "Jay" Wilcoxen
Canton - John C. "Jay" Wilcoxen, 79, of Canton, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at his home in Canton.
He was born on November 8, 1942, in Canton, to John "Don" Wilcoxen, and Alma "Louise" (Lindsey) Wilcoxen.
Jay is survived by his wife Donna (Byrd) Wilcoxen, whom he married on July 24, 1986, in Cody Wyoming.
Also surviving are five children, John (Jenessa) Maas, Tonya VanNatter, Kathy Johnson - Barker, Jason Wilcoxen, and Josh (Kristin) Wilcoxen, two brothers Don and Fuzzy Wilcoxen, eight grandchildren, Michael, Joseph, Breitanya, Jaden, Addison, Alexis, Austin, and Grace, and eleven great grandchildren.
Preceding him in death are his parents, three sons, Peter, Paul and Jeff Wilcoxen, one brother Jack Wilcoxen and two great grandchildren, Mia Bailey and Angel Baby.
Jay was a Veteran of the United State Army. He was proud to be a college Graduate from Spoon River College with a degree in electrical engineering. He retired from Midland Coal in 1996. Jay was a dedicated Farmer throughout his life and was also part owner and operator of Italian Express for several years in the 90's with his wife Donna and her daughter Kathy. Together Jay and Donna also enjoyed being "Snowbirds" in Texas every year. He was a member of the Canton Masonic Lodge, American Legion, "UMWA", Illinois Farm Bureau and the Fulton County Farm Bureau. Jay enjoyed working on the farm and tinkering in his shop with countless projects he was able to find. He also had a love for flying from taking flying trips with his brother Don, to flying remote controlled airplanes. Most of all Jay loved spending time with all his family and friends.
Cremation rites will be accorded. Military honor's will be held at the Canton American Legion on Saturday, July 2, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. A celebration of life will follow at the legion.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Canton
To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Tributes
"Go in peace Jay. You are always kind and considerate. You will be missed."
"I am so very sorry to learn of the passing of Jay! I had the pleasure of getting to know Jay during the weekly Thursday Morning breakfasts at the restaurant. He was always a pleasure to chat with him. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Prayers and condolences for his wife Donna and the rest of his family. Allen Smith"
"I will miss you buddy. God bless you. Go with God Jay. Joe Cooper"
"So sorry to learn of the death of a very good neighbor! He will be missed by many I am certain. Prayers for the extended family!"
"So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers. May you and your family remember all the good times you?ve had together. RIP Uncle Jay. ??Tammy Byrd-Hyatt and Family"
"My deepest sympathy and prayers to the family. May fond memories and Jesus loving words found at John 11:25 carry you through and beyond this difficult time of mourning. "
"Donna and family , we are saddened to hear that Jay has passed, such good times at breakfast outings with Jay and the guys in Texas , we recently shared our experiences with cancer and treatments. A great person to share with . Brings a smile to my face thinking of our last chat, we somehow got on FaceTime, Jay was sitting on the toilet , we both had a good laugh . Donna, when the sadness lessons you will have warm memories of Jay , you are in our hearts and prayers, hugs from your Canadian friends ?? Garry and Marge Oliver."
"Jay and Donna was my families landlord on the corner of 5th and locust. My favorite memory is when we went to pay rent and Jay asked my husband if the twins were his girls from a previous marriage. My husband said no why you ask. Jay said cause you look old enough but she don?t look old enough to have kids that old. My husband told him he didn?t really want his rent money. ?. Jay was an amazing guy. "
"Sending prayers to the family, sorry for your loss. Donnie and Becky Coulter "
"Life has it\'s sorrows but also joys. Think of the good memories. So sorry for your lose. Terry and Barb"
"Jay was a good person, good neighbor, and a good friend. I will miss our visits at our mailboxes. Prayers to his family."
"Donna & family, I?m so sorry to see that Jay has passed away. He was such a nice person & I?m glad I had the honor to have met him. I?m sending prayers to all of you. "