Gary Wilcox

Gary Edward Wilcox passed away February 15, 2021 after battling metastatic melanoma. Gary was born in Joliet, Illinois in 1952 to loving parents George Wilcox (deceased) and Annette Lennon Wilcox (deceased). He was the loving husband of Julie, née Timmer; devoted father to Chelsea, Jeffrey, and Julia; beloved brother of Joy Wilcox and Jeffrey Wilcox; wonderful brother-in-law to Melissa Endres (John), and Scott Timmer; stepson to Margo Mitchell Wilcox; stepbrother to Susan Mitchell MacFarlane; fond uncle to his nieces and nephews, and a dear friend to many. Gary was raised in Media, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Episcopal Academy, near Philadelphia. He attended Brown University where he studied political science and art. Upon graduation from Brown, Gary attended Dickinson School of Law. He became a prosecuting attorney in Delaware County, followed by a move to Chicago, where he continued his career as a litigator with Peterson Ross, Schlerb and Seidel, and later, Hardt and Stern. He met Julie at Chicago’s Old Town Art Fair, a story he enjoyed telling, which was followed by 33 years of marriage, and raising their family in Winnetka. Gary was known for his prowess in both squash and tennis, and competed in, and won, numerous squash tournaments through the Racquet Club of Chicago. He was passionate about auto racing, fishing, and music, and had a deep love of art, cultivating his own artistry in both photography, and pottery, a talent few knew he possessed. What he loved most was spending time with his family: fishing, skiing in the mountains of Utah, and faithfully attending his children’s soccer games. Gary especially valued family time in both Florida and the quiet natural surroundings of Michigan, places near to his heart, with those most precious in his life. Gary will be deeply missed by his family and friends. A private ceremony will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, an educational fund has been established for Gary’s youngest daughter, Julia. Donations may be made to the Julia Wilcox Educational Fund in care of J. Scott Timmer, Attorney at Law, 231 Park Hills Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, Illinois.